The European parliament has backed plans to label gas and nuclear energy as “green,” in a massive rejection from prominent climate and energy experts that say the proposals are just a gift to Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and a curse against the planet.
A top lawmaker for the EU said the vote was a “dark day for the climate.”
There was an additional dark veil over the announcement as well. Leaders warned that this move would be a victory for Russian President Putin too.
Climate and environment experts said the EU has now set a dangerous precedent for other countries around the world. Late in 2021, there was a leak of long-awaited details on the EU’s green investment guidebook, which is meant to help investors channel billions into the clean power transition.
The European Commission has decided that some gas and nuclear projects could be included in environmentally sustainable economic activities.
Under the new plans, gas can be classified as a sustainable or “green” investment if the “same energy capacity cannot be generated with renewable sources” and there are plans in place to switch to renewables or low-carbon gases.
Nuclear power can be classified as green if a project promises to properly handle radioactive waste.
The move is not only being seen as a bad move for the environment, but also a bad move in terms of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.
Experts in energy and in international diplomacy warned that the actions would fuel Russia in its energy war, as well as its war chest. The inclusion of natural gas as “green” energy is evidence the Eu made a “mistake” on green energy, experts warned, and one that Russia would cash in on.
Ukrainian leaders said that Putin is now “rubbing his hands with glee” following the announcement, saying it was a “huge gift” to the Russian leader.
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