Tuesday
March 8
2022

Analysis: What Does Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Mean for Energy and Climate Change?

With wholesale gas prices already at extremely high levels, in part due to Russia’s actions, the attack on Ukraine has prompted widespread debate over how to respond.

As a major humanitarian crisis has unfolded, there have also been fears that climate action could be relegated by world leaders to an afterthought.

Concerns over energy security are particularly acute in Europe, which is heavily reliant on Russian exports of coal, oil and gas. Two major narratives have emerged in response.

Many, including leaders from the European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen to the UK’s Boris Johnson, have emphasised the need to accelerate the roll out of clean energy technologies.

Some politicians have coupled this with calls to boost domestic fossil fuel supplies, so as to reduce the need for Russian imports. Meanwhile, climate sceptics have made domestic oil and gas their sole focus, in some cases going so far as attempting to argue that clean energy is part of the problem.

 

Photo credit: Kostiantyn

 

Source: Eco-Business (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Energy, Environment
Tags
climate change