Aggression from Authoritarian Regimes Underscores Urgency to Accelerate Global Decarbonization

The Russian invasion of Ukraine reveals the destruction and vulnerability to which we are exposed when autocratic, power driven by self-interest, is left unchecked. The most immediate devastation lands on the people of Ukraine, while the ripple effect impacts nations around the world that depend on Russia for energy stability. Russia’s actions highlight the lack of security that comes from depending upon authoritarian states for fossil fuel resources.

In addition to the strong warnings signaled in the 2022 IPCC Report (source), this conflict should be yet another wake-up call to all nations to take stronger collaborative action towards reducing dependency on fossil fuels and establishing a more resilient, global economy that embraces cleaner energy solutions.

The European Union (EU), the U.S. and other countries working together to solve the climate crises have the opportunity to address Russia’s aggressive actions while leading a global effort to advance decarbonization of our cities, communities, infrastructure and buildings in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so that people of all nations can have a more viable future.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The world’s current reliance on oil and gas to fuel basic infrastructure such as energy and transportation bolsters economic and political power surrounding these resources which, for decades, have been consolidated in the hands of a small group of regional leaders. This dependency enables autocrats to make decisions that destabilize global security and economics.

Defunding fossil fuels opens the opportunity to shift away from economics based on scarcity and instead invest in abundant, renewable sources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy that give local and national governments greater autonomy over their essential needs. Neutralizing the competition for energy resources helps to advance SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

This does not, however, mean that countries must operate in isolation. Global problems require global solutions, and as encouraged by SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, countries, businesses, and other entities, should accelerate collaborative efforts to combat climate change. Such partnerships are exemplified by Sun Cable, an Australian company with plans to export up to 20 gigawatts of peak electricity from a solar generation and storage facility in Australia’s Northern Territory to Singapore.

International partnerships can also unify, strengthen and hasten efforts for global decarbonization. The Russia-Ukraine conflict should inspire more countries to work together to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. As more countries ban Russian imports (source), the impacts will be far greater than the U.S. embargo alone, as the U.S. procures just 8% of its oil supply from Russia (source). Considering the U.S.-EU Summit Statement (source) declaring a cooperative effort to become net-zero emissions economies by 2050 and meet their respective 2030 targets, this partnership is a critical opportunity to lead by example and achieve energy independence.?

While interim solutions will be needed to help bridge the transition to renewable energy, the U.S. and other countries should not simply shift supply strategies to other oil-rich nations, and continue operating under “business-as-usual” conditions. Instead, they should look to pursue energy efficiencies while accelerating the transition towards renewable sources, which can help achieve critical climate goals and provide affordable, clean energy for all people.?

SDG 7- Affordable and Clean Energy

According to the World Resources Institute and ClimateWatch, "energy consumption is by far the biggest source of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for a whopping?73%?worldwide” (source).?While the adoption of renewable energy has increased, including 290 gigawatts added globally in 2021, this growth needs to double to meet the emissions goals outlined in the Paris Agreement (source). Increasing penetration of clean, renewable energy is a key strategy to avoid the most drastic climate change impacts outlined in the 2022 IPCC report. According to the report, “any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a livable future.”

Fortunately, the cost of solar and wind power has decreased dramatically in recent years, becoming the cheapest energy sources available. This makes solar and wind more cost competitive than oil and gas (source) even prior to the dramatic price increases seen in the wake of inflation and global instability.

This cost discrepancy is further exacerbated by the fact that fossil fuels have benefitted from large subsidies from the U.S. government, to the tune of roughly $20.5 billion per year, according to a report by Oil Change International (source). The oil and gas industry have undoubtedly boosted the U.S. economy over the decades, but in light of current climate research, continuing to subsidize the fossil fuel industry prioritizes the self-interest of the powerful few over the prosperity and well-being of the larger society.

Should the U.S. elect to eliminate such subsidies and tax benefits, as has been proposed in Executive Order 14008 and the Biden-Harris Administration’s FY2022 budget, more than $100 billion dollars of additional federal revenue would be raised over the course of the next 10 years and renewables would compete on a more level playing field (source). The additional federal revenue could then be used to support critical priorities, including rapid implementation of renewable energy.

SDG 11- Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

War creates tragic outcomes, the forewarnings of which should be a call to action that minimizes future geopolitical risks and improves all aspects of society. Beyond reshaping our energy profile, we must also reframe our approach to urban development in a way that respects the interconnectedness of built and natural systems.

In alignment with SDG 11, public transportation should be part of a cohesive urban strategy focused on density, equity and access. The Oxford University World In Data research indicates that dense, urban areas account for a lower amount of transportation emissions per capita as compared to sprawling, low-density cities (source). Urban infrastructure, such as transportation systems, represent a substantial opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our cities and suburbs and link communities together, while moving away from oil dependence and combating climate change. ?In addition to broadly expanding the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure, public transportation should be made highly connective and readily accessible as a viable option for commuters, everyday travel and long-haul trips.

The consequences of war are devastating, and often end up impacting those already most vulnerable within society. As governments implement economic sanctions and other penalties in hopes of ending conflict, key strategies could also serve to ignite massive market transformation shifts required for shaping a better future. While the transition to a decarbonized planet has by no means been easy or fast enough for our climate, world leaders should, as immediately as possible, leverage their collective leadership in opposition of autocratic powers to choose a path that leads to peace, health, prosperity and resilience for all.