Geopolitics vs. the race to net zero

Why the energy transition has never been more vital

The Ukraine crisis is a horrendous tragedy and the war will have a considerable impact on the European and global economy. It has brought sharply into focus the fragility of supply chains and energy security - which has manifested in runaway inflation.

Given this backdrop there is a risk that policymakers delay urgent, albeit difficult, decisions on the decarbonisation of our economies. But from both a climate and political perspective, we believe we must stay the course –in fact, we need to accelerate the energy transition to alternative cleaner fuels. This is, of course, far easier said than done.

Below, our macroeconomic and investment experts examine the current crisis and discuss how geopolitics could impact the race to net zero. We examine Europe’s plans to wean itself off cheap Russian fossil fuels, we delve into the future economic and investment implications of the war and consider what it all means for investors – from retail to institutional. We believe the energy transition today looks even more appealing – and necessary – than ever, even if the journey appears more arduous than before.