...economic shock’.
European leaders could rewrite history at high stakes meetings in the next few weeks.
During a time of massive geopolitical tension, governments will meet to discuss how to transition away from fossil fuels - the source of the current energy shock - and towards abundant, low-cost, reliable renewable energy.
First, EU foreign affairs ministers will meet at their council in Strasbourg on 21 April. The next day, 40 countries meet for the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue. Hot on their heels, the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels will be held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24-29 April.
With fossil fuel markets in turmoil, energy shortages worldwide and extreme weather costing lives, the stakes could not be higher.
Many experts say the time is ripe for a “climate reset”.
“The fossil fuelled war led by the US and Israel against Iran violates international law, harms innocent civilians, and is dragging the region into a broader conflict while worsening the cost-of-living crisis across the world.,” says Tasneem Essop, from Climate Action Network.
“Fossil fuels play a central role in this war…this moment of mass geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty reinforce why transitioning away from fossil fuels is not merely a matter of climate policy: it is a question of economic stability, safety and human well-being.”