Europe's Energy Crisis Not Solved by Fossil Fuels

Europe's Energy Crisis Not Solved by Fossil Fuels - Emphasis on Peace

In the heart of Warsaw, Poland, 21-year-old climate activist Wiktoria Jędroszkowiak is working tirelessly to address the root causes of the European energy crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Jędroszkowiak, who is part of the Fridays for Future movement, recently spoke to Atmos to shed light on these pressing issues. She believes that the energy crisis and the war can be resolved by cutting off their root causes, which she sees as the reliance on fossil fuels and the political systems that perpetuate them.

Across Europe, countries like Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are leading the way in renewable energy transition. Germany, in particular, is making significant strides, with 2.2 gigawatts of wind energy installations in the first half of 2025. This progress is attributed to faster permit processes and strong policy support.

However, not all European nations are following suit. In Poland, illegal coal mining persists due to the lack of heat in homes. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine has launched Europeans into a new reality, with the threat of violence spilling over into communities and the urgency around energy access and ensuring there are enough resources to keep everyone warm this winter.

As a result, some countries are turning back to fossil fuels. Wood burning is making a comeback in Sweden, air quality is suffering in Poland, France is restarting coal-fired power plants, and families may face scheduled blackouts or struggle to pay their high energy bills.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Europe and the U.S. have been trying to distance themselves from Russian fossil fuels, risking leaving their constituents in the dark without Russian energy. Since the mid-20th century, Russia has been transporting gas across Europe, making Europe the biggest beneficiary of Russian fossil fuel exports.

Jędroszkowiak believes that Polish leaders should realise the need to stop new fossil fuel investments and focus on a just transition for energy security. She sees hope in the climate justice movement's ability to address the root causes of various global problems.

Jędroszkowiak's activism initially focused on women's rights and feminism, but the world of climate justice has shown her the root of society's problems: the greedy and powerful putting profit above people. She has confronted government officials such as French President Emmanuel Macron and met climate activists Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate.

Despite the challenges, Jędroszkowiak remains optimistic about the possibility of achieving real peace, free of fossil fuels, capitalism, and patriarchy. She believes that the war in Ukraine will end with Ukrainian victory, and that Europe's help or lack thereof will determine how quickly the war ends.

Moreover, Jędroszkowiak emphasises the importance of a living wage and jobs in the context of the energy transition. She finds inspiration in Poland's example of welcoming Ukrainian refugees.

When it comes to the Just Stop Oil campaign, Jędroszkowiak does not view it as the climate justice movement, but appreciates its attention-grabbing tactics. The future remains uncertain with a newly issued price cap on Russian oil. However, Jędroszkowiak continues to fight for a sustainable and just future for all.