Professor Kari Liuhto contributes to a new book called Fossil Fuels in the European Union: Geopolitical Change, Climate Policy and Financing Conditions. His article discusses the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the European gas supply.
The book delves into the multifaceted impacts of fossil fuels on the EU's geopolitical landscape, climate policy, and financial frameworks. It analyzes how the EU navigates the transition from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives amidst shifting global power dynamics. Key themes include the strategic changes needed to achieve climate goals, the influence of international relations on energy security, and the emerging financial mechanisms supporting this transition.
Europe's natural gas consumption significantly decreased following Russia's invasion. Liuhto's article reflects on the future of the EU's energy supply in the post-invasion era. He argues that replacing Russian natural gas with renewable energy is ultimately essential. Natural gas will act as a transitional fossil fuel as the union first phases out coal and oil and moves toward renewable energy sources. Liuhto believes that Russia's invasion has accelerated the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The changed global situation has made this transition not only a green policy issue but also a geopolitical necessity.
The full article can be found here.