The Iran war has led countries to turn towards clean energy and take steps to reduce energy consumption, but these efforts are still insufficient to combat climate change.
Policy Changes in Response to the War
Since the war began in February, some supporters of renewable energy believed that this crisis could aid the green transition as oil and gas prices have risen. Currently, more than 30 governments have implemented policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels or improve energy efficiency. However, at the same time, global greenhouse gas emissions have slightly increased, and investment in clean energy has decreased compared to last year.
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Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Experts state that while the Iran war may help in the adoption of clean energy, the world is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels. They believe more time is needed for new policies to yield tangible results. According to Pauline Heinrichs, a war studies lecturer at King's College London, "Governments are currently dancing between acknowledging the importance of clean energy and supporting the expansion of fossil fuels. We are witnessing the interaction of an old world and a new one that are in conflict with each other."
Global Trends in Investment
Global investment in solar and wind installations in the first half of 2026 has decreased compared to the same period last year. China has been identified as one of the largest contributors to this decline. However, in the United States, Europe, and India, where economies are more affected by gas and oil prices, investment in solar energy has increased.
Countries that invested in clean energy after previous energy crises saved about $36 billion in fossil fuel imports during the first five months of this war. China and Japan have seen the most savings.
Conclusion
Some governments are trying to shield themselves from geopolitical fluctuations and fuel price instability. While the Iran war and its effects on global markets continue, it remains unclear whether this crisis will favor renewable energy or fossil fuels.
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Source: independent.co.uk
