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Colombia president warns suicidal capitalism model threatens war and fascism
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro convened 57 governments in Santa Marta to address the climate crisis, warning that the current fossil fuel-dependent capitalist model leads to war, fascism, and potential human extinction. While France released a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels by 2050, delegates from the global south emphasised that addressing debt is central to any transition. Experts noted that high debt levels and interest rates prevent developing nations from investing in renewables, calling for financial reforms and debt forgiveness to enable a just transition away from fossil fuels.
UN report says critical minerals demand fuels poverty and pollution in vulnerable communities
A report by the UN's UNU-INWEH finds that the global scramble for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel is deepening poverty and creating public health crises in vulnerable communities in Africa and Latin America. The study highlights that while demand for these metals, used in batteries and microchips, has surged to support green energy and AI, the environmental and health costs are borne by local populations. Issues include water scarcity, toxic contamination, and agricultural devastation, with the report calling for mandatory international due-diligence standards to prevent the green transition from repeating historical patterns of exploitation.
UAE exit from OPEC signals shift in global oil order
The United Arab Emirates has reportedly decided to leave OPEC and OPEC+, marking a significant shift in the global oil architecture. This move reflects the UAE's national strategy to pursue greater production flexibility and diversify into energy, logistics, and technology hubs, diverging from the collective discipline previously maintained by Gulf states. The departure weakens the perception of OPEC+ unity, potentially increasing supply pressure and price volatility for Asian importers while complicating energy security strategies for major economies like China and India. The event underscores a transition from a producer-led hierarchy to a multipolar system where energy security depends on infrastructure, finance, and geopolitical stability.
UK electrification firms lag on public emissions disclosure and Scope 3 reporting
An industry analysis published Wednesday indicates that while emissions reporting is becoming standard in the UK's electrification supply chain, public transparency and Scope 3 coverage remain insufficient. The study highlights a gap between current practices and the expected level of disclosure in the sector.
EU chief warns billions could be wasted if energy aid is not well targeted as the Iran war bites
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned EU countries must direct energy aid to vulnerable households and industries to avoid wasting billions amid rising costs from the Iran war. The conflict, combined with the U.S.-Israel war, is costing the EU approximately 500 million euros daily. Von der Leyen urged member states to learn from the 2022 fuel crisis and reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels by increasing renewable and nuclear energy use. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen described the situation as a serious crisis comparable to 1973 and 2022 combined.
UK manufacturing PMI rises to near four-year high amid surging cost pressures
UK manufacturing PMI finalized at 53.7 in April, the highest level since May 2022, driven by improvements in output, new orders, and employment. However, supply chain disruptions linked to Strait of Hormuz restrictions have lengthened supplier lead times and pushed input price inflation to near a four-year high. Analysts warn that front-loaded demand may cause growth to cool later in the year.
Iran war disrupts global energy system accelerating shift to renewables and nuclear
The war in Iran, launched two months ago by the United States and Israel, has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, causing a global energy crisis with fuel shortages in 25 countries. While some nations temporarily increased coal use, the disruption has accelerated investments in solar, wind, and nuclear power. Solar exports hit records, and countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Belgium are restarting or planning new nuclear projects to secure reliable, low-emissions energy. The crisis challenges the long-term dominance of fossil fuels, though experts note challenges in replacing around-the-clock power from oil and gas.
Tungsten demand expands across defence and renewable energy sectors
Global demand for tungsten is increasing due to its critical role in defence, manufacturing, and renewable energy technologies. The metal's unique properties, including high melting point and density, drive applications in aerospace, cutting tools, and solar panel production. Supply remains concentrated in a single region, prompting Western nations to pursue supply chain diversification. Several ASX-listed companies, including EQ Resources, Tungsten Mining NL, and Almonty Industries, are active in exploration and development to address this strategic shift in the mining and metals sector.
Bangladesh solar photovoltaics capacity to reach 8.5 GW by 2035, forecasts GlobalData
GlobalData forecasts Bangladesh's solar photovoltaics capacity will increase from approximately 1.3 GW in 2025 to 8.5 GW by 2035. The report indicates solar will remain the primary driver of renewable expansion, supported by policy incentives and distributed generation models. Cumulative renewable capacity is expected to reach 9 GW by 2035, with thermal power continuing to dominate the generation mix. The analysis highlights structural constraints like land availability alongside favourable irradiation and declining technology costs.
Netherlands must urgently escape gas dependency trap
An opinion piece argues that the Netherlands faces growing economic vulnerability due to its 35% reliance on gas for electricity, significantly higher than the European average of 17%. The author contends that high gas prices drive up electricity costs, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that hinders the transition away from fossil fuels. Despite stagnant grid consumption, significant solar capacity exists, but much generated power is curtailed or not utilised due to grid congestion and negative pricing. The article calls for a government plan to integrate these volumes into the grid to displace gas, reduce costs, and accelerate the green energy transition.
Over 50 countries launch plans to transition away from fossil fuels at Colombia summit
More than 50 nations convened in Santa Marta, Colombia, to develop strategies for shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems. France unveiled a roadmap to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045, and gas by 2050. Colombia's draft plan projects $280 billion in economic benefits by 2050. Participants agreed to align trade and finance policies to accelerate decarbonization, addressing the links between fossil fuels, conflict, and ecological harm. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Tuvalu in early 2027.
Middle East conflict drives fertiliser shortage threatening Africa food security
Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing a major fertiliser shortage across Africa, pushing prices from approximately 500 to over 700 dollars per tonne. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global trade flows, risking food inflation and shortages of staples like maize, rice, and wheat. With 80% of fertiliser in sub-Saharan Africa imported, smallholder farmers face restricted access and higher costs. Experts urge governments to stockpile fertilisers and coordinate regional procurement to mitigate supply shocks and ensure food security.
Five CEOs lead convergence of AI demand and critical mineral supply in 2026
As of April 2026, Kathleen Quirk (Freeport-McMoRan), Tim Gitzel (Cameco), Robert Friedland (Ivanhoe Mines), Jakob Stausholm (Rio Tinto), and Mark Bristow (Barrick Gold) are identified as key executives driving the intersection of artificial intelligence infrastructure and energy supply. The article highlights the surge in demand for copper and uranium to support data centers and nuclear power, noting specific strategies employed by these leaders to address supply deficits and meet the electrification needs of the tech sector.
India faces convergence of oil prices, weak rupee and monsoon risks
India's economy faces simultaneous pressure from rising oil prices, a weakening rupee, and monsoon risks, creating a convergence of cost drivers. Experts warn this alignment could lead to broader inflation and a mild stagflation risk, where prices rise while growth slows. While petrol and domestic LPG prices remain unchanged, commercial LPG and aviation fuel costs have increased. Policymakers note limited options to manage these interacting risks without trade-offs, potentially leading to a gradual squeeze on household disposable income.
US blockade of Strait of Hormuz targets China despite Iran pretext
In April 2026, the United States imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, formally directed against Iran but strategically aimed at containing China. The operation, backed by thousands of troops and a large naval deployment, disrupted energy flows critical to the Chinese economy, which absorbs around 90% of Iran's oil. While officially targeting Tehran, the blockade disproportionately affects Asian markets, with crude imports from the Middle East to China dropping by 28% in early 2026. The US strategy leverages control over global energy chokepoints to exert indirect pressure on Beijing, highlighting China's structural vulnerability to maritime interdiction and signaling a shift towards infrastructural power in great-power competition.
Virginia governor signs bill to rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation returning the state to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a carbon pricing program previously exited by her predecessor. The move aims to fund energy efficiency projects for low-income households and manage costs associated with a surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers. While utilities like Dominion Energy face increased permit costs, proponents argue the revenue will help offset bills and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. The state must now align its emissions caps with other Northeast and mid-Atlantic members.
National Grid expands dynamic line rating technology roll-out
National Grid has signed a five-year contract to extend the deployment of Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology across an additional 585km of UK transmission routes. The initiative, involving partners LineVision, Ampacimon, and Heimdall Power, aims to increase power line capacity by utilizing real-time weather and physical data rather than static ratings. This expansion is expected to save consumers up to £50m by reducing constraint costs and facilitating greater renewable energy flow across network boundaries in the North East, Humber, and East Anglia.
Ghana regulators advance green finance framework through guidelines and voluntary disclosure
Ghana's Bank of Ghana, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Ghana Stock Exchange are advancing green finance through the Sustainable Banking Principles (2019), Green Bond Guidelines (2024), and ESG Disclosure Guidance (2022). While these instruments establish regulatory frameworks for environmental risk integration and sustainability reporting, they currently operate as non-binding guidelines or voluntary measures rather than strict statutory obligations. The article highlights structural gaps including regulatory fragmentation, the absence of a binding national green taxonomy, and limited enforcement capacity, noting that the system remains in a maturing phase guided by principles rather than consolidated law.
Energy analysts predict crude oil may reach 150 dollars a barrel within weeks
Energy analysts warn that global crude oil prices could touch 150 dollars a barrel within two weeks if the US-led blockade of Iranian ports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz persist. Current benchmarks trade between 105 and 109 dollars, with physical market prices reportedly reaching 145 dollars due to supply shortages. Experts cite a 10-12 million barrel-per-day shortfall and potential military escalation as key catalysts for further price spikes.
Reader urges UK government to adopt national food and energy security strategy amid cost of living crisis
A reader's letter argues that the UK government must move beyond 'keep calm and carry on' rhetoric to implement a serious national strategy for food and energy security. Citing high fuel prices, reliance on fragile global supply chains, and stagnant wages, the author calls for a modern 'Grow for Britain' movement to rebuild local production capacity before the May elections. The piece highlights the risks of current dependence on imports and demands political urgency and investment to address the prolonged cost of living crisis.