EU member states are struggling for energy sources due to Russia’s war in Ukraine
The acting human rights chief of the United Nations, Nada al-Nashif, has urged European Union (EU) member states not to back down from their efforts to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. UN Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada al-Nashif, in her opening speech at the latest session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, noted human rights concerns about more than 30 countries and territories, including Ethiopia, Ukraine, Myanmar and Haiti.
In addition to expressing concern about the direct impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine, he noted how the war has affected food and fuel exports from the two countries, both of which are major producers. Because of this, EU member states are struggling to promote energy sources, he said. Al-Nashif said some EU member states are turning to investments in fossil fuel infrastructure and supplies ahead of winter in the face of rising energy prices. He said that the need for such a step is understandable.
He warned of the long-term consequences of promoting the use of fossil fuels, however, which lead to a rise in global temperatures. He called for energy-efficiency projects and rapid development of renewable energy. In view of the current climate crisis, there is no turning back from the rapid development of energy-efficiency projects and renewable energy, he said. The four-week-long autumn session of the Council will be attended by 47 member states of the United Nations.
