Who’d have thought a fossil-fuel shill like Trump would be the one to spark a green revolution? | George Monbiot

The Liability of Fossil Fuel Dependency

For decades, fossil fuels were viewed as the ultimate lifeline for global industrial power. However, recent geopolitical volatility—specifically the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran—has shifted the narrative. What was once seen as a strategic asset is now increasingly viewed as a liability.

When energy supplies are concentrated in unstable regions or controlled by unreliable allies and opponents, the entire global economy becomes vulnerable. Long supply lines are easily disrupted, and price volatility can trigger regime changes and economic crises almost overnight.

Why Stability is the Recent Currency

Governments are realizing that relying on foreign oil means accepting a level of insecurity that is no longer sustainable. While some nations initially responded to price shocks by cutting fuel taxes or raising subsidies, the long-term trend is moving toward total energy independence.

The logic is simple: you cannot be energy-independent if your power source depends on the whims of foreign dictators or the stability of a war zone. This realization is accelerating the move toward renewables not just for environmental reasons, but for national security.

The Great Electrification Surge

We are witnessing a global surge in demand for fossil-free technologies. This isn’t driven by idealism, but by pragmatic consumer behavior in the face of soaring fuel costs. The shift is evident across multiple continents.

In Europe, inquiries for electric vehicles (EVs) have spiked significantly since the attacks on Iran began:

• France: 160% increase in EV inquiries
• Germany: 50% increase
• United Kingdom: 23% increase

Similar trends are appearing in South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Even in the United States, despite political efforts to stymie the technology, interest in EVs has risen by 20%.

The “Typewriter” Risk for Automakers

Traditional petrol and diesel automakers face a critical crossroads. As the world pivots, continuing to invest heavily in internal combustion engines is becoming akin to investing in rotary telephones or typewriters. The risk of irrelevance is high for those who fail to adapt to the rapid electrification of transport.

The pace of innovation is staggering. For example, the Chinese vehicle maker BYD has already announced plans for super-fast chargers capable of powering a battery from 10% to 70% in just five minutes.

Breakthroughs in Energy Storage and Power

The transition to a green economy depends entirely on the ability to store energy efficiently. We are currently on the cusp of cascading shifts in how we handle power supply.

Beyond Lithium-Ion: The Next Generation

Several technological breakthroughs are poised to eliminate the need for fossil fuel plants as a “last resort” power source:

• Grid-Scale Batteries: These can stabilize the energy grid and significantly reduce the overall price of electricity.
• Solid-State Batteries: This technology promises super-fast charging, longer storage times, and much greater range for vehicles.
• Quantum Batteries: While still emerging, these represent a potential transformation of the entire energy system.

Redesigning the Human Habitat

Beyond the technology of the car or the battery, there is a trend toward redesigning how we live to reduce the need for energy altogether. This is the core of the “energy efficiency” movement.

A prime example is the 15-minute city programme, championed by former Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. By ensuring that residents can meet most of their needs within a short walk or bike ride, cities can drastically reduce emissions, air pollution, and the cost of living.

This shift toward “doing more with less” allows urban centers to protect themselves from price shocks and geopolitical instability while improving the general quality of life.

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