International Renewable Energy Agency: Middle East conflicts highlight the urgent need for countries to build more resilient energy systems

【Caixin Global】 Growing global economic uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions are making the energy transition increasingly urgent. On March 26, Dr. La Camera, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference that the recent fighting in the Middle East has exposed the vulnerability of countries’ economic systems when responding to oil and gas price shocks. It also further shows that countries urgently need to build more diversified, resilient, and sustainable energy systems.

“Energy transition is not only a measure to address climate change; it also provides an important pathway for countries to strengthen energy security and improve economic resilience.” La Camera noted.

As early as December 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (i.e., COP28) reached an “UAE Consensus” on multiple issues. The consensus sets a goal that by 2030, the world will accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy installed capacity, double energy efficiency, and significantly reduce methane emissions.