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U.N. Climate Chief Urges EU to Shift from Fossil Fuels

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell will address EU leaders in Brussels to warn against rising fossil fuel reliance as energy prices climb amid the Iran war.
Stiell says dependence on oil and gas threatens national security and is economically irrational.
He argues the EU's energy crisis could recur without a shift to renewables.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backs the view and cautions against weakening climate policies.

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Story summary

U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell will address EU leaders in Brussels to warn against rising fossil fuel reliance as energy prices climb amid the Iran war.
Stiell says dependence on oil and gas threatens national security and is economically irrational.
He argues the EU's energy crisis could recur without a shift to renewables.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backs the view and cautions against weakening climate policies.