Divesting from fossil fuels is the most effective way to reduce human impacts on the climate. UN: Energy price hikes are a reminder of the value of renewables 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. Such volatility is a reminder of the strategic value of renewable energy, said Simon Steel, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“Renewable energy is a game changer,” Steele said at the 2026 Green Growth Summit in Brussels. The meeting brought together European ministers for climate and environment, as well as business representatives and investors.
“Sunlight does not depend on narrow and vulnerable sea straits, the wind blows without expensive military support sponsored by taxpayers, and renewable energy allows countries to protect themselves from global shocks and not get involved in “might is right” politics,” – Steele said.
According to him, renewable energy also answers the main needs of Europeans: security, well-paid jobs, reducing living costs and improving public health.
Fossil fuel dependence
“Dependence on fossil fuels undermines national security and sovereignty,” Steele said.
“Renewable energy reduces costs and creates significantly more jobs,” he added.
In addition, the head of the UNFCCC noted, thanks to the abandonment of fossil fuels, the air becomes cleaner, public health and quality of life improve.
Crises will repeat again and again
Steele said it is “striking” that in response to the current crisis, some are proposing to “double down on the cause itself.” problems and slow down the transition to renewable energy, although it is obvious that it is cheaper, safer and faster to implement.”
“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 has cost the EU more than 420 billion in 2024 alone, will condemn it to constant crises.
Enormous opportunities
Recalling that in 2025, renewable sources overtook coal as the main source of electricity in the world, and investments in clean energy investment has topped $2 trillion (double the investment in fossil fuels), Steele said, “the opportunity is enormous.”
Europe today actively stimulates investment in innovation, and European companies are at the forefront of clean technologies and economic growth. These include Siemens, Schneider and IPS, pioneers in wind power, energy storage and electrical services.
“Gold mine” for investment
“Europe can secure for a long time the multi-trillion-dollar investment potential, which is just beginning to unfold, if it makes a bet to green growth,” Steele said.
He recalled that in the last century, when the continent, shaken by war, united to create the foundations of integration, energy came first: countries understood that reliable and affordable supplies are the foundation of peace and prosperity.
“Today these principles are more important than ever,” Steele concluded.