Energy Access and Climate Policies Drive Migration, Warns Former U.S. Official
Energy access and climate policies are at the heart of a complex global issue, with far-reaching implications for migration and development. Former U.S. official Diana Furchtgott-Roth, now at The Heritage Foundation, highlights the link between energy and prosperity, warning that restricting access to reliable energy keeps African and Latin American nations poor and drives immigration to Europe and North America.
Furchtgott-Roth, who served as deputy assistant secretary for research and technology at the U.S. Department of Transportation, now heads the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at The Heritage Foundation. She argues that no country has achieved high per capita income with low energy use, emphasizing the importance of energy access for economic growth.
President Donald Trump echoed these concerns at the United Nations General Assembly, linking Europe's immigration issues to its green energy policies. He warned that Europe must address both immigration and energy policies to avoid further issues.
Meanwhile, the UN's Net Zero Banking Alliance pressures financial institutions to stop lending for fossil-fuel projects in developing countries. However, this could exacerbate the problem, as poor countries with low energy use are more vulnerable to natural disasters and struggle with better healthcare, safer water, and higher agricultural yields.
The UN is urged to support energy sources that power prosperity, helping countries grow and stem immigration. Restricting access to reliable energy in poor countries can lead to illegal immigration to the West. It's crucial to balance climate goals with the need for energy access and economic development in the global south.
