Why global crises are pushing the world towards renewables

It's hard to look at the news today without seeing energy in the background of almost every crisis.

- SYED RAIYAN AMIR

Whether it's the war in Ukraine, the standoff between Israel and Iran, or the slow militarisation of the Arctic, energy isn't just lurking in the background—it's right at the centre. The urgency to move away from fossil fuels and into renewables isn't just about climate change anymore. It's also about security, survival, and staying ahead of the next big disruption.

Let's take the Middle East as a starting point. The recent escalations between Israel and Iran are not just ideological or territorial; they're wrapped up in energy infrastructure, shipping lanes, and strategic dominance. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow stretch of water that sees nearly 20 percent of the world's oil traffic, remains one of the most fragile arteries in the global energy system. Every drone strike, missile test, or naval drill adds more uncertainty. In The Prize, Daniel Yergin captures just how often oil has played the lead role in shaping military decisions, and that hasn't changed. If anything, it's become more blatant.

The same applies to the Russian war in Ukraine. Russia's leverage over Europe wasn't just military but also about gas. Fiona Hill and Clifford Gaddy in Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin break down how Moscow used its energy exports as a blunt political tool. Europe learnt the hard way how dangerous dependency on a single supplier can be. That bitter experience jolted the EU into fast-tracking wind, solar, and hydrogen infrastructure, with the aim to stop being so easily cornered in addition to being pro-climate.