Global Politics in Flames: Is the End of Fossil Fuels Near?

The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran are a stark reminder that dependence on fossil fuels does not create security: it fuels conflicts, destabilizes markets, and drives up energy prices worldwide. The consequences include severe supply shortages, particularly in the Global South, but their effects have long been felt here as well.

At the same time, an international movement is gaining momentum. At the end of April, Colombia will host the first conference dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels, bringing together an "Alliance of the Willing" to agree on concrete steps toward a post-fossil era.

Europe faces a dual challenge: escalating climate disasters on one hand, and a fragile energy supply amid compounding geopolitical crises – from Ukraine to the Middle East – on the other. Yet political responses in Germany and across Europe continue to lean on fossil fuels and high-risk technologies such as fracking and nuclear power.

The alternative is clear: renewable energy is both climate-friendly and crisis-resilient. The sun and wind cannot be sanctioned, blockaded, or weaponized.

So how do we achieve an energy transition that is not only ecologically sound, but also socially just – one that responds to geopolitical upheaval without fueling the political shift to the right?

We want to discuss these questions and bring together voices from politics and grassroots movements as well as develop concrete approaches for a sustainable energy future. 

Panelists: 

• Luis Alvaro Pardo - Colombian economist specializing in mining and energy law, and constitutional law in the Petro administration
• Susanne Götze -  Journalist and author on climate issues for media outlets incl. Deutschlandfunk, Spiegel, and ZEIT
• Tonny Noshwin - Activist for Degrowth and Climate Justice, The Sunrise Project
• Karin Zennig - Policy analyst for climate justice and South Asia at medico international

Facilitation: Linda Schneider - Senior Programme Officer International Climate and Energy Policy, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

There will be interpretation to German, English and Spanish.

The event is a cooperation of medico international and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. Participation is free of charge, registration is not necessary.

Contact: Kristin Funke - funke@boell.de

Location: Spore Haus, Hermannstraße 86, 12051 Berlin-Neukölln
Public transport: U8 (U-Bahnhof Leinestraße) and the Ringbahn (S-Bahnhof Hermannstraße, accessible by elevator).