Energy & Environment

Three worlds in 2035: Imagining scenarios for how the world could be transformed over the next decade

2024 was marked by increased climate shocks and collaboration of autocratic adversaries. What will the world look like in the next decade? The Atlantic Council’s top experts brought their globe-spanning expertise to the task of forecasting three different scenarios for the future.

Securing energy independence: The US path to resilient enriched uranium supply chain

By Mikael Pir-Budagyan

One critical challenge for the United States in the energy security space is the sourcing of enriched uranium that fuels nuclear reactors across the country, vital for the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Cameroon’s future relies on empowering its women 

By Vera Songwe

To build a stronger, more prosperous Cameroon, the country must prioritize boosting economic and political freedoms and invest in managing its environmental resources. This strategy will not only benefit Cameroonian women but also prove most impactful in advancing the nation as a whole.

Central Asia needs regional and international cooperation to bolster water security

By Ariel Cohen, Wesley Alexander Hill, Wilder Alejandro Sánchez

A new Atlantic Council report, “Water insecurity in Central Asia: The imperative for regional and international cooperation” details the developing water crises in Central Asia and outlines strategies to combat water insecurity in the region.

Ukraine can play a key role in Europe’s future energy architecture

By Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the need for Europe to pursue greater energy flexibility and connectivity, writes Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska.

Nuclear power is ‘making a comeback’ around the world, says IEA executive director Fatih Birol

By Daniel Hojnacki

Birol discussed the recent resurgence in nuclear energy and the challenges hindering the nuclear industries in the United States and Europe.

IEA’s Fatih Birol on the state of nuclear energy advancement around the world

By Atlantic Council

The International Energy Agency executive director spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about cooperation among governments and the energy industry on nuclear energy.

Baltic states unplug from Russia’s power grid—but Moscow still looms over critical infrastructure

By Justina Budginaite-Froehly

Breaking from the Russian system, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are about to synchronize their electricity systems with the Continental Europe Network.

How the US can benefit from deepening Azerbaijani-Israeli ties

By Joseph Epstein

Washington should learn from Israel’s diplomatic and security collaboration with Azerbaijan to bolster its own ties with Baku.

Surrounded by superpowers, Kazakhstan walks a geopolitical tightrope

By Nargis Kassenova

Still a relatively young nation, Kazakhstan finds itself at critical juncture amid a series of domestic and geopolitical shocks. Its future depends on the success of economic liberalization efforts—and a delicate balancing act: The country must strengthen ties with the West and simultaneously manage its relations with powerful neighbors like Russia and China.