The transition to electric transport is progressing at markedly different speeds across different countries. Australia and New Zealand are testament to this, and are at a very different stage in their journeys than places like Europe or the UK.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), June 2022 was the first month that no fossil fuels were imported into the UK from Russia. This is the first time this has happened since the British Government began tracking fossil fuel imports in 2002. No oil, gas, or coal was taken, showing a remarkable drop from the £4.4 billion given to Russia for its fossil fuels exports in the year up to June 2022. This is especially impressive given the fact that fossil fuel prices remain high, and many EU countries are stockpiling fuel in response to the ban, which will come into force at the beginning of 2023 and has thus far had minimal impact on the amount of money coming into Russia from the sales of these fuels.

The UK is not the only country on a journey towards electrification. The nations of Europe are driving ahead with their own transitions. With the Fitfor55 package, which specifies that all cars must emit zero CO2 from their tailpipes, likely to act as a de facto ban on petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles in Europe come 2035, an effective countdown has begun. European countries must now ensure they will be able to transition in such a way that causes minimal disruption to the lives of their citizens. The work done now will likely impact how prepared a country will be for this deadline.

After unexpectedly passing the lower house a few weeks ago the Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law by President Biden. This Act is not only a green energy bill, but one that aims to bring down energy costs and increase America’s energy security, all while cutting emission output by around 40% by 2030. The USA has clearly signalled to the world that the response to the global cost of living crisis and the existential threat to energy security posed by Russia and China, should not be to turn back the clock on net zero, but to accelerate it.