The United Nations climate chief has warned that the disruption caused by the Iran war is an abject lesson in the dangers of relying on fossil fuels. Speaking to policymakers in Brussels, he said the surge in global energy prices shows how dependence on oil and gas undermines national security and economic stability.

Although far from the conflict geographically, the European Union has experienced sharp consequences, with gas prices rising by 50 percent since the war began on February 28. The bloc imports more than 90 percent of its oil and 80 percent of its gas, leaving consumers exposed to geopolitical shocks and volatile markets.

The European Commission argues that accelerating the shift to domestically produced renewable and nuclear energy will strengthen energy security and shield countries from price swings. However, some governments, including Italy and Hungary, are pressing for a loosening of climate policies to ease short term pressure on industries and households.