Dario Ligutti, of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), said Southeast Asia and South Asia were the first to be hit by the most severe energy crisis in a generation, but warned that “This is a looming energy crisis,Motorists in Europe prepare themselves in advance every time they fill their tanks.
Given how national economies around the world remain so dependent on fossil fuels and regional or geopolitical shocks, the ECE is bringing countries together in Geneva and elsewhere to discuss ways to transition away from fossil fuels or at least use them more wisely.
One wasted resource that could be used more widely is natural gas – methane – which is usually burned.or as a safety measure, “flaring” in oil wells, fossil fuel processing plants or refineries.
Instead of burning the gas – as is often the case in refineries around the world – it can be stored and used when needed.UNECE says that our dependence on primary sources of energy is decreasing.
The agency is already leading efforts to reduce emissions of methane which is 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period and is a clear driver of global warming.
clean energy transition important
In line with the sustainability goals that the world’s countries agreed to in 2015, the United Nations supports the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy production.
The current crisis is “a clear signal that we need to move forward with the energy transition, particularly through the electrification of transport or heating,” Mr. Ligutti insisted.
“We need to accelerate renewable energy deployment because these are decentralized energy sources and are very clean not only from an environmental perspective, but also from an energy security perspective.”
Hunger worsens in Lebanon
In Lebanon, where ongoing clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israel continue to cause panic and fear, the economic impact has put pressure on livelihoods, worsening food insecurity due to rising costs and supply disruptions.
According to UN-backed food security experts, almost a quarter of the population is facing severe hunger.
A new alert from the IPC (Integrated Food Safety Phase Classification) on Wednesday warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating. About 1.2 million people could face high levels of acute food insecurity between now and August – a sharp increase compared to the 874,000 people affected between late 2025 and early 2026.
“Behind every number are families constantly struggling to meet their food needs,World Food Program (WFP)wfp) said, as it continues to increase assistance with partners.
Public services expanded
The humanitarian situation is further complicated by displacement and fragile public services. At a school-shelter in Jeddieh in the northern Beirut city, 377 people – about 90 families – are living in cramped conditions, highlighting the pressure on infrastructure.
Health services are also in crisis. United Nations World Health Organization (UNHCO)Who) is working with partners to strengthen hospitals, including supporting blood banks to ensure life-saving transfusions during emergencies.
Despite these efforts, aid agencies warn that needs continue to outstrip resources.
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is not just a regional disruption, he says, but a global shock, rather it is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and pushing already fragile humanitarian systems closer to the brink.
