“The volatile situation in Gaza, coupled with its potential oil reserves, has left global oil markets on edge. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources, as highlighted by the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA).”
Tensions in the Middle East due to the war in Gaza could have a positive impact on the transition to renewable energy, according to the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The sharp increases in oil prices during the 1970s led to efforts to conserve fuel, and the current crisis in the Middle East, along with Russia’s cutoff of natural gas to Europe, could have a similar effect. The IEA’s Executive Director, Fatih Birol, believes that this could accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as electric cars and heat pumps. Birol also highlighted the importance of international action at the upcoming UN climate conference to expand the use of clean technologies and increase investment in the developing world. The IEA estimates that demand for fossil fuels will peak before 2030, but governments will need to increase their efforts to meet the global goal of keeping warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
