Can energy security and climate action work together?

Energy security has surged up the policy agenda as geopolitical shocks have exposed the risks of relying on imported fuels. But replacing oil and gas with renewables, batteries and electric vehicles can create new dependencies of its own. The question running through Climate Week NYC was whether countries can strengthen energy resilience while curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

Host Ed Crooks held a series of conversations with leaders in energy policy and business about managing the trade-offs between energy security and climate action.

First, he is joined by former British Army Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, and Erin Sikorsky, a former US intelligence officer who leads climate-security work at the Council on Strategic Risks. They argue that climate change itself is a security concern: extreme heat can threaten military operations, while climate pressures can create political instability. They see adaptation to a warmer world and emissions reduction as complementary, not competing priorities. However, they acknowledge that the shift to clean energy also raises questions about reliance on Chinese supply chains. Richard and Erin discuss cyber protections, domestic innovation, and “friend-shoring”, as ways to manage those risks.

Next is Harry Mateer, US head of FIC research at Barclays. He sets out an overview of a global energy system that is mostly adding new sources of supply rather than replacing old ones. Barclays expects global energy demand to grow by 1.9% a year through 2050, with renewables growing faster, at more than 3%. Harry and Ed discuss what that means for investment in oil and gas, nuclear power, batteries and electric vehicles.

Next up are Hannah Safford, co-director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Center for Regulatory Ingenuity, and Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach. Noel says the port has cut emissions while cargo volumes grew 44%, and is targeting net zero emissions by 2050. Hannah argues that outdated rules and fragmented agency responsibilities can slow progress in decarbonizing transport systems. Both guests point to clearer long-term plans, coordinated regulation, incentives and partnerships as practical ways to move the whole supply chain towards lower-carbon systems. But the remaining steps will be harder and costlier, and some of the required technology is not yet widely available.

Long-time climate activist Bill McKibben is next. He published a book last year on renewable energy, which he sees not just as a solution to the challenge of climate change, but “a path that opens into a very new world.” He makes the case for accelerating deployment of solar, wind and batteries, and explains his latest group Third Act, which organizes people over 60 to work on climate and related issues.

Finally, we hear from Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, which organizes Climate Week. Helen says climate work continues even as corporate announcements grow quieter: much of the focus has shifted to implementation, investment and the need for stable policy. Her view is that electrification can serve both emissions goals and energy security. The stakes are whether governments and businesses can turn that shared interest into durable infrastructure and investment without mistaking a quieter climate conversation for a reason to slow down.

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