Unlike in other times, it was an academic issue, but is now both practical and urgent, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced many countries that depend on Russian oil and gas to quickly change their way of supplying energy.
The debate comes as serious effects of climate change have multiplied, from recent heat waves in southeast Asia to flooding in parts of South America.
Meanwhile, the world’s top climate scientists have repeatedly warned that greater investment in fossil fuels will hurt our chances of limiting warming to 1.5 ° C, thereby preventing even more disastrous effects at that point.
On Tuesday, US Climate Chief John Kerry is attending the summit and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen are appearing.
Participants will discuss several other high-level issues, including Russia-Ukraine war, the threat from globally increasing hunger, inequality, and ongoing health crisis.
