The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been met with harsh financial sanctions. These have come from North America and Europe. The US and Canada have also banned Russian oil and gas, but Europe has found itself unable to do so - even as natural gas prices soar. The EU receives 40% of its natural gas from Russia, and for many countries, if they turn it off, the lights will go out and they’ll be unable to keep themselves warm. As a result European money continues to pay Russia for its natural gas resources.

This episode looks at the short term plans for European countries, dependent on Russian gas, to remove it from their energy systems and ask if this could be the perfect moment to turn away from fossil fuels, including natural gas, and turn toward a much improved renewable energy network?

Presenters Jordan Dunbar and Kate Lamble are joined by:

Victoria Gill, BBC Science and Climate Correspondent
Simone Tagliapietra, Senior Fellow specialising in European Union climate and energy policy at think tank, Bruegel
Bernice Lee, is Hoffmann Distinguished Fellow for sustainability, Chatham House

Team:
Producer: Dearbhail Starr
Reporter: Alessia Cerantola
Researcher: Natasha Fernandes & Frances Read
Series Producer: Alex Lewis
Editor: Nicola Addyman
Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell