DeBriefed 20 March 2026: Energy crisis deepens | Brazil’s new climate plan | New Zealand climate case
Why it matters: Geopolitical conflict is reshaping global energy policy, threatening climate goals and accelerating a fossil fuel rebound.
- International Energy Agency advised member countries to implement ten steps, including encouraging remote work and reducing highway speeds, to mitigate the energy crisis fueled by the Iran war (Guardian).
- IEA is prepared to release more of its 1.4 billion-barrel oil reserves to ease the "biggest supply disruption in the history of the oil market," with Asian countries particularly hard-hit by shipping halts through the Strait of Hormuz (Bloomberg).
- EU leaders debated the energy crisis, with Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticizing attempts to "gut climate policies," while some leaders pushed for an overhaul of the EU's emissions trading system (Politico, EU Observer, Financial Times).
- Asian utility companies are increasing coal-fired power generation to cut costs and secure energy supply in response to the conflict, even as UN climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell urged accelerating the energy transition (Reuters).
- Trump administration is reportedly considering a nearly $1 billion settlement with TotalEnergies to cancel offshore windfarms and redirect investment into fossil gas infrastructure in Texas (New York Times).
- Brazil launched a new climate plan aiming for a 49-58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, following "clashes" with the agribusiness sector (Folha de Sao Paolo).
The ongoing Iran war has severely disrupted global energy markets, prompting the International Energy Agency to advise drastic measures like remote work and reduced highway speeds, while also preparing to release strategic oil reserves. This crisis is forcing some European leaders to reconsider climate policies and driving Asian utilities to boost coal use, despite calls from the UN for accelerated energy transition.
