The head of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, said on Monday that the ongoing conflict involving Iran should serve as a wake-up call for governments to speed up the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Speaking to Reuters ahead of meetings with officials in Brussels, Stiell said the disruption in global energy markets caused by the war highlights the risks of heavy dependence on imported oil and gas.
He argued that the resulting surge in fuel prices is exposing how reliance on fossil fuels can threaten both national security and the cost of living for millions of people.
The comments come as leaders in the European Union consider emergency steps to shield consumers from rising energy bills amid market volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions.
The EU currently imports more than 90% of its oil and around 80% of its natural gas, leaving the bloc vulnerable to supply shocks and price swings during international crises.
While some governments, including those in Italy and Hungary, have called for loosening climate policies to ease short-term industrial costs, Stiell warned such moves would be misguided.
Instead, he said accelerating investments in renewable and nuclear energy could strengthen energy security, stabilize power prices and create jobs in clean technology sectors.
The issue is expected to feature prominently at the next round of global climate talks scheduled for November in Antalya, Turkey.
Despite regional security concerns linked to the conflict, Stiell said preparations for the upcoming UN climate summit are continuing as planned.