Energy Geopolitics and Climate Policy - Revision Sheet

1. 📌 Essentials

• Fossil fuels: Oil, gas, coal are primary energy sources, non-renewable, major GHG emitters.
• Major oil reserves are concentrated in Middle East, Venezuela, Canada, Iran, Iraq; Hormuz Strait transits 20% of global oil.
• Russia, US, Qatar, Iran dominate global natural gas reserves and production.
• Europe's energy dependency on Russia exposes supply risks, especially highlighted during Russo-Ukrainian war.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UN climate treaties (UNFCCC, COPs) guide global climate action.
• Paris Agreement (2015): limit warming to below 2°C, pursue 1.5°C; $100 billion Green Fund established.
• COP26 (2021) commitments: reduce methane emissions (-30%), curb deforestation; coal phase-out incomplete.
• Major countries’ carbon neutrality targets: US (2050), China (2060), EU (2050), India (2070).
• Energy transition requires ~$61 trillion investment globally by 2050; China leads green finance.
• IPCC provides scientific assessments forecasting climate impacts and guiding policy.

2. 🧩 Key Structures & Components