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The disruption to global energy supplies is being felt around the world, and 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, said Simon Steele, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Speaking at the Green Growth Summit in Brussels, he emphasized that renewable energy is a "game changer." The event was attended by European climate and environment ministers, as well as business representatives and investors.
According to Simon Steele, sunlight does not depend on vulnerable sea straits, wind does not require expensive military escorts, and renewable energy allows countries to protect themselves from global shocks and avoid power politics.
He noted that renewable energy meets key needs of Europeans, including security, the creation of well-paid jobs, reduced living costs and improved public health.
Simon Steele emphasized that dependence on fossil fuels undermines national security and sovereignty. He argued that renewable energy sources reduce costs and create significantly more jobs.
He also noted that moving away from fossil fuels would improve air quality, public health and living standards.
According to Steele, in response to the current crisis, some are proposing to increase dependence on fossil fuels and slow the transition to renewable energy, despite the fact that it is cheaper, safer, and faster to implement. He stated that such proposals are out of touch with reality, as fossil fuel-related crises will recur.
Simon Steele noted that passive dependence on fossil fuel imports, which cost the European Union more than 420 billion in 2024 alone, will lead to permanent crises.
He recalled that in 2025, renewable energy overtook coal as the world's leading source of electricity, and investment in clean energy exceeded $2 trillion, double that of fossil fuels.
He said Europe was actively promoting investment in innovation, and European companies were at the forefront of clean technology and economic growth, including Siemens, Schneider and IPS, which operate in wind energy, energy storage and electrical services.
Simon Steele noted that Europe can secure multi-trillion-dollar investment potential if it prioritizes green growth. He recalled that energy played a key role in uniting European countries in the last century, providing the foundation for peace and prosperity, and emphasized that these principles remain relevant today.
