As energy prices soar amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, blocK member states have been warned against the usage of fossil fuels.
European Union countries have been called upon by the united nations not to switch to fossil fuels as energy prices continue to hike amid fears of winter shortages.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU nations are in the middle of an escalating standoff with Russia as Moscow has reduced the supplies of gas to EU members, which threw the national economies into deep uncertainty.
As told by nada al-Nashif deputy UN rights chief on Monday, “In the face of soaring energy prices which threaten to impact the most vulnerable as winter approaches, some EU member states are turning to investments in fossil fuels infrastructure and supplies”.
she even warned the bloc of the long-term consequences of boosting the use of fossil fuels that in turn escalate global warming, “There is no room for backtracking in the face of the ongoing climate crisis”.
Setting Pakistan as an example she pointed out how the devasted floods have soaked the country, it happens when the world fails to act on climate change. “How many more tragedies of this sort do we need before the urgency of the moment jolts us into action,” she said.
Addressing at the opening of the council’s 51st session in Geneva, al-Nashif acknowledged that the increasing energy prices which stand as a ghost as winters are about to hit the European nations.
Focus on long-term consequences
Al-Nashif urged the nations to consider the long-term consequences of resorting to more fossil fuel infrastructure.
“It is essential to accelerate the development of energy efficiency projects and renewables.”
The European Union has a binding commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
“In the Russian Federation, the intimidation, restrictive measures and sanctions against people voicing opposition to the war in Ukraine undermine the exercise of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental freedoms, including the rights to free assembly, expression, and association,” al-Nashif said.
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