UK bids farewell to fossil fuel pact

The UK has exited the Energy Charter Treaty, joining a wave of EU countries in rejecting the agreement criticized for hindering climate goals.

Stuart Braun reports for Deutsche-Welle.

In short:

• The UK's departure from the Energy Charter Treaty aligns with its net zero emission targets, following the lead of several EU countries.
• The treaty, originally intended to protect energy investments, has been used by fossil fuel companies to sue governments for phasing out fossil fuels.
• Efforts to modernize the treaty have stalled, prompting countries to abandon it due to its misalignment with contemporary climate objectives.

Key quote:

"The Energy Charter Treaty is outdated and in urgent need of reform but talks have stalled and sensible renewal looks increasingly unlikely."

— Graham Stuart, UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero

Why this matters:

The UK's exit from the Energy Charter Treaty marks a shift toward prioritizing environmental policies over fossil fuel interests. This move sets a precedent for other nations, underscoring the growing global commitment to combat climate change.

Peter Dykstra: Headwinds remain for clean energy.