By our Staff reporter
LONDON & BATON ROUGE: Western nations must transition away from the fossil fuels that leave them dependent on Russia and other authoritarian states, experts warned at a media briefing hosted by Gas Exports on Tuesday.
The warning comes as Russian forces continue to attack cities and civilians in Ukraine and European leaders scramble to find new ways to isolate Russia from the international community.
General Russel L. Honoré, former commanding general of the U.S. First Army, was unequivocal in his statements to members of the international press today which was attended by the journalists around the globe via zoom.
“What we are witnessing now is the weaponization of fossil fuels, especially gas, by a hostile dictator,” exclaimed the renowned global authority on disaster management and climate preparedness.
“Russia relies on dollars and Euros more than Europe relies on Russian fuels. That’s why now is the time for Europe to transition to renewable energy: to save the planet and stop the flow of funds to Putin’s war machine,” the 37-year veteran of the U.S. army continued,
Julian Popov, a fellow at the European Climate Foundation and former Bulgarian Environment Minister, noted that European states already have opportunities to reduce and eventually end their dependence on Russian oil exports.
“European policymakers can drive down demand for Russian exports right now by reducing their respective countries’ energy demand and investing in a green grid today. Whether Russian or American, gas is a fossil fuel, not a transitional fuel,” Julian said.
From a security perspective, General Honoré noted that a terrible situation can also present a great opportunity. “Getting off-gas can be a win for Europe, for democracy, and for the climate.”
Gas Exports Today brings together analysts, researchers, advocates, and policymakers each month to discuss new research and analysis on gas exports. It’s proudly convened by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.
