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The Iran war is driving clean energy development. It’s not enough to help the planet, yet – WTOP News

Thirty-three governments adopted policies to switch from fossil fuels to electricity, while global clean-energy investment fell and emissions rose slightly, the International Energy Agency said.

  • As of Sept. 9, thirty-three governments adopted policies to switch from fossil fuels or improve energy efficiency in response to the Middle East conflict, according to the International Energy Agency. Policies include supporting EV adoption and replacing gas boilers with electric heat pumps.
  • The war triggered the largest sustained price shock since the 1990 Gulf War, and Brookings Institution scholar Samantha Gross said this insecurity is pushing nations to prioritize energy security by adopting clean power strategies.
  • Countries that invested in clean energy after past crises saved an estimated $36 billion in avoided fossil fuel imports, while solar and wind growth remained steady in Europe and India despite global investment declines.
  • Global greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.2% in 2026's first half, as governments perform a 'dance' between clean power and fossil fuel expansion, war studies lecturer Pauline Heinrichs at King's College London wrote in an email.
  • Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson said events could be a 'net winner for renewables,' provided that long-term progress involves sustained action over years to decades to address the climate problem.
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The war has driven green policies, but emissions continue to rise and investment in clean energy falls.Climate change requires more action.Despite measures to reduce the use of fossils, dependency remains high.The conflict redefines the energy transition as a security strategy.

·Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The Seattle Times broke the news in Seattle, United States on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
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