The Fragility Paradox: Energy Systems and Technological Vulnerabilities
Pacific Council CEO Duncan Wood Explores Global Energy Systems on Policy Center for the New South Podcast
First Published on The Policy Center for the New South on January 10, 2025
Moderator: Helmut Sorge, Columnist, Policy Center for the New South
Speaker: Duncan Wood, President and CEO, Pacific Council on International Policy
Our modern world relies on fragile systems—vulnerable to risks like massive solar storms, dependent on rare earth minerals, and deeply interconnected with China’s dominance in global supply chains. As demand for sustainable energy surges, solutions like advanced battery recycling and seabed mining offer hope but also raise ethical and environmental concerns. In this podcast, Sorge and Wood explore the delicate balance between innovation, security, and sustainability, and what it takes to build a more resilient future.
Duncan Wood, PhD, is the President and CEO of the Pacific Council on International Policy. Dr. Wood is an internationally renowned specialist on the geopolitics of energy, supply chain policy, critical minerals, Mexican politics, and US-Mexican ties. Previously, Dr. Wood was the Vice President for Strategy and New Initiatives at the Wilson Center and worked alongside the Board of Trustees to design a new strategic plan for the center.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.
