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Fossil Fuel Is Funding Russia in Ukraine War

First published in the March 24 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.

I’m a father who wants a livable future for me, my son and future generations.
I’m writing to ask you to report on the connection between the crisis in Ukraine and our dependence on fossil fuels.
Sixty percent of Russia’s export earnings come from oil and gas. Western nations have long cowered for fear Moscow would turn off the tap. Now, our dependence on oil is funneling cash into Vladimir Putin’s war chest and directly financing his assault on Ukraine.
This is a critical story at the intersection of the two biggest global crises of the moment: Ukraine and climate change.
Please use your reach to bring national awareness to the fact that fossil fuels are not only a threat to a livable future, but a threat to global political stability as well.
Following the science on climate change, I’ve watched it get clearer and clearer for almost 30 years now exactly how serious this problem really is. I’ve also lived through the Exxon Valdez oil spill (1989), Persian Gulf oil spill (1991) and Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010). We can do better.
The U.S. is the fourth largest solar and wind turbine manufacturer and climbing, Russia isn’t even in the top 10. The U.S. is first for oil production and Russia is second. We can build our more sustainable industries and don’t need to finance Putin.
Faced with Putin’s aggression and gas prices, carbon dioxide levels and climate-related natural disasters all at record highs, we have all the reasons we need to start reducing our consumption of fossil fuels and increasing our leadership in renewable sectors.
The reality of our global situation is serious enough that I don’t think we should need additional motivation to take massive action. If we want one more reason though, Putin is providing it by waging this war on Ukraine.
We can do better and now is the time. We’ll benefit ourselves, our children and global stability if we do.

Jae Sabol
San Gabriel

Sabol is executive director at One Community Global.

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