The just-concluded UN summit listed climate change as a key area requiring special attention.
Indeed, the UN needs to reboot participatory leadership on global climate and the focus clearly lost in the wake of the energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Specifically, the UN needs to restore independent leadership of the COP forums, which are currently subject to To the strong effect of oil. – Productive interests.
Since 2022, leading countries have relaxed their climate policies to prioritize immediate energy security needs (availability and affordability) to contain inflation and economic instability, creating political uncertainty.
Oil and gas supply chains have been reprioritized as major renewable energy projects are delayed or put on hold, with the climate agenda increasingly becoming a topic avoided in political forums. In a clear vacuum in global climate leadership, oil and gas players have taken it upon themselves to determine the path of the energy transition, conveniently relocating peak oil demand to 2050, apparently to allow for new investments in oil and gas production.
Correctly estimating the date of peak oil demand is important in charting a realistic path for the energy transition that allows for the smooth entry of renewable energy and exit from fossil fuels, but this estimate must be made independently.
In the past two years, renewable energy’s momentum has been threatened by geopolitical interests and economic competition as China and the West compete to control vital input and export markets for electric vehicles, solar and wind power tools. Disincentive tariff wars are reducing the speed of renewable energy affordability and uptake around the world. UN agencies will need to develop practical protocols for global renewable energy development and trade. Containing global conflicts is an urgent task for a reoriented United Nations. In the absence of global peace and security, the energy transition becomes a longer, costly and disjointed effort. As observed from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, wars and political unrest can significantly disrupt energy supply chains while hindering the entry of climate-friendly initiatives and investments.
As for the Global South, which includes Africa and Kenya, it is important that we take full responsibility for our climate destinies and stop screaming “climate victims.” Improving political and economic management of resources will improve the Global South’s ability to develop sustainable and resilient food security systems and provide affordable, clean energy, while attracting investments and essential green financing.
Priority should be given to strengthening the governance of extractive sectors, especially with regard to critical energy minerals, in order to add value to national budgets. For countries in the Global South with oil and gas resources, revenues should be used to develop climate-resilient social and economic programs for future generations.