Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 17, 2026 Climate and environment
The disruption to global energy supplies is being felt around the world. The conflict in the Middle East has led to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices. This volatility highlights the strategic value of renewable energy, emphasized Simon Steele, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
"Renewable energy is a game-changer," Steele said at the Green Growth Summit 2026 in Brussels. The meeting brought together European climate and environment ministers, as well as business representatives and investors.
"Sunshine doesn't rely on narrow and vulnerable sea lanes, the wind blows without costly taxpayer-funded military escorts, and renewable energy allows countries to protect themselves from global shocks without being caught up in might-makes-right politics," Steele said.
According to him, renewable energy also meets the key needs of Europeans: security, well-paid jobs, reduced living costs, and improved public health.
Dependence on fossil fuels
"Dependence on fossil fuels undermines national security and sovereignty," Steele said.
"Renewable energy sources reduce costs and create significantly more jobs," he added.
Moreover, the head of the UNFCCC noted, by abandoning fossil fuels, the air becomes cleaner, public health and quality of life improve.
Crises will repeat themselves again and again.
Steele said it was "astonishing" that in response to the current crisis, some are proposing "to double down on the root cause of the problem and slow the transition to renewable energy, even though it is clearly cheaper, safer, and faster to deploy."
"These [proposals] are out of touch with reality because history shows that fossil fuel crises will happen again and again," Steele said.
His message to ministers gathered in Brussels was simple: passive dependence on fossil fuel imports, which will cost the EU more than €420 billion in 2024 alone, will condemn it to constant crises.
Enormous opportunities
Noting that renewables will overtake coal as the world's leading source of electricity in 2025, and that investment in clean energy will exceed $2 trillion (twice that of fossil fuels), Steele emphasized that "the opportunities are enormous."
Europe is actively promoting investment in innovation today, and European companies are at the forefront of cleantech and economic growth. Among them are Siemens, Schneider, and IPS, pioneers in wind energy, energy storage, and electrical services.
A gold mine for investment
"Europe can secure long-term multi-trillion dollar investment potential that is just beginning to unfold if it embraces green growth," Steele said.
He recalled that in the last century, when the continent, shaken by war, came together to create the foundations of integration, energy was paramount: countries understood that reliable and affordable supplies were the foundation of peace and prosperity.
“These principles are more important today than ever,” Steele concluded.
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