24. Contribution to peace

The expansion of renewable energies prevents wars and can defuse conflicts. The desire for access to fossil resources has been central to many wars and civil wars. Due to an increasing dependence on scarce resources such as coal, oil and natural gas, these natural resources gain in economic and strategic importance. Germany, where imports claim the lion’s share of fossil fuel supplies, is also part of those mechanisms.

Renewable energies reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, renewable energies help to avoid poverty-related conflicts in many regions of the world. Access to energy is an important foundation for social and economic development. A decentralised power supply based on wind, solar and biomass can be attained in remote areas too, and it helps to reduce poverty.