Climate Action
Changing Climate and Changing Times: Why We Need Greener Energy for a Safer Future
May 17, 2025
It seems that every time you turn on the news lately, a different crisis has erupted somewhere in the world. With so much instability and insecurity, countries from every corner of the globe are having to face the reality of how they can produce their own energy.
There is a solution that is not too far out of reach: clean energy. Clean energy sources — such as wind, solar, geothermal and tidal — can not only bolster a country’s national security by making them more energy independent, but also create millions of new jobs as the energy grid transitions to a more sustainable future.
Even as far back as 1972, the United States’ National Science Foundation (NFS) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recognized the importance of clean energy in maintaining a country’s national security and advancing its international interests.
There are also international benefits in making a viable solar technology available to the world as well as balance of payments and national security benefits in limiting our almost inevitable dependence on foreign energy sources.
An Assessment of Solar Energy as a National Energy Resource, NASA
According to the authors, there was a clear national interest in decreasing reliance on other countries for a steady energy supply. With just ten countries – the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, China, Iraq, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Kuwait – producing almost three quarters of the world’s oil, switching to renewable energy is one of the few ways to decrease reliance on other countries and to develop a robust domestic energy sector. This sort of energy independence brings clear security benefits.
For example, imagine how different some European nations might feel today, if they had energy grids powered by renewable energy instead of relying on Russian oil. They would not be facing energy threats but instead could have assured domestic energy independence and security by having a steady supply of power.
Will Clean Energy = Long Term Peace?
Well, it depends on who you ask.
According to research by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, there are two leading schools of thought on clean energy’s impacts on global energy security.
The first, called the “renewed conflict” camp, argues that clean energy does not actually increase energy independence since the machines that produce clean energy require constant maintenance and upgrades.
They claim that, instead of getting rid of security threats, the threats could migrate to other ‘battle grounds.’ For example, the struggle to control other important resources, such as rare minerals (copper, lithium, etc.) could increase global conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa or South America.
The other school of thought, known as the “reduced conflict” camp, on the other hand, argues that democratizing energy production would reduce energy competition and increase self-reliance, thus leading to fewer conflicts between countries. This camp imagines a world in which each country’s energy grid is powered by domestic energy production.
As previously mentioned, the renewed conflict camp bases many of its arguments on the idea that renewable energy will simply redirect the source of energy crises.
Another important point is that a transition to more renewable energy would minimize what the study calls “energy-insecurity anxiety,” or the precautionary steps countries may take to reduce future energy crises, such as forcing other countries to set aside critical resources or creating unnecessary stock piles through aggressive purchasing. By reducing this anxiety, states can redirect their resources to other national security concerns and focus on maintaining domestic peace.
Is a transition even possible?
Making the transition to a completely clean energy system will demand real commitment, but it is not impossible. For example, 95-98% of Costa Rica’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, like wind and solar. While Costa Rica’s GDP – occupying a relatively low 70th spot in global Gross Domestic Product rankings (a measure of overall economic activity in a country) – it has still managed to create a clean energy grid due to its nation-wide focus on conservation, education, and health.
In Europe, as well, Norway has emerged as a global leader in clean energy with 98% of all electricity being generated from renewable energy sources.
All in all, any country can make the transition to a cleaner energy system, regardless of its economic or political status, which strengthens their chances of maintaining peace and security. To make it happen though there must be a societal understanding that clean energy is essential to long-term prosperity and then to demand better from our governments and leaders. Make your voice heard on this important issue – look into organizing events at local, regional, national, and even international levels because each plays a key part in shaping the future and transforming energy policy.
This change will require government action. So, if you are located in the US, you can contact your representative through EARTHDAY’S website. But you should also assure that you are registered to vote. Check out our Vote Earth page to check your registration status, register to vote, or be informed of important upcoming elections.
If you live anywhere else in the world, make sure you take part in Earth Action Day 2025! Additionally, look more into what local laws and regulations could be changed to start pushing for a cleaner future.
No matter what, it will take all of us. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a change!
