Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine finally, though perhaps not permanently, awakened Western Europe to the dangers of relying on a thug for its energy supply.
The EU nations have scrambled to replace Russian natural gas, which they have feasted on for years even as they bullied emerging nations (some of whom have abundant oil and gas reserves) never to use the stuff.
The hypocrisy has gotten to be too much – and some emerging nations are calling out the Euros for putting their own comfort ahead of local needs:
While African leaders are eager for the millions in revenue that the gas deals are likely to bring in, they’re also calling out the sudden interest in their resources as a double standard that perpetuates the West’s exploitation of the region. They question why Africa must move away from dirty fuels — thereby delaying access for hundreds of millions of people to electricity — even as its gas is used to keep the lights on in Europe. Rich countries have been reluctant to fund pipelines and power plants that would facilitate the use of gas in Africa because of its emissions, yet haven’t delivered on promises to help finance green projects that could be an alternative source of energy.
Europe’s awkward position was on display at the Group of Seven leaders summit last month. The world’s most advanced economies walked back a climate commitment to halt financing for overseas fossil fuel projects, but indicated that exceptions would likely apply to projects that would allow for more shipments of LNG to their countries. In another climbdown, European Union lawmakers recently voted to classify gas and nuclear energy projects within the bloc as “green investments”, potentially opening up billions of euros in fresh funding.
That approach has irked African leaders who need fuel, any fuel, to lift millions out of poverty. “We need long-term partnership, not inconsistency and contradiction on green energy policy from the UK and European Union,” Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said in written comments. “It does not help their energy security, it does not help Nigeria’s economy, and it does not help the environment. It is a hypocrisy that must end.”
And that’s just the beginning:
The turn to Africa for a short-term gas fix is “patronizing” and “hypocritical,” said Carlos Lopes, former head of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. It is “absolutely outrageous to say to the Africans that they should basically not look into the options that they have in front of them, and at the same time accelerate the request for gas for Europe because of the Russia-Ukraine war.”
Vijaya Ramachandran, director for energy and development at the Breakthrough Institute, a California-based think tank, was more blunt. It’s “green colonialism,” she said, as rich countries exploit poorer nations’ resources while essentially denying them similar access in the name of climate action.
“Green colonialism.” That ought to leave a mark on the conscience of even the most obtuse EU bureaucrat.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
Norman Leahy has written about national and Virginia politics for more than 30 years with outlets ranging from The Washington Post to BearingDrift.com. A consulting writer, editor, recovering think tank executive and campaign operative, Norman lives in Virginia.
Ok, this is a game that is being played and has been played for many years. But Trump fixed it. We were independent, free of the game. And Joe f**ked it up.
So, now what…. are we going to continue the game??? Come on people, wake up!! (interesting comment given the new “woke” terminology; what does that mean anyway). I previously mentioned that this is a game. Yes it is, but a game that the American people will end up losers in and the top people (criminals, both here and abroad) will win big. They already are right under our noses and in plain sight, and they don’t care. These people need to be hell and gone way before 2024.
Hope so BUT we cant ship OURs to EU
Mr. Putin, better watch out about China Wal-Mart type of bargaining when dealing with their suppliers, because China is looking in the near future to be The Major Player in the world oil-exporting game. South China Seas, Africa, and I’m been noticing some unhappiness in Opec leaders from some of their members too, the Opec members could be looking for a new trading oil partner. India does have the world’s largest refinery. doesn’t it?