Energy moves the world and contributes to shaping geopolitical, economic and social phenomena. Fossil fuels, nuclear power, clean and renewable energy: what are our main energy sources now, and will we need to continue to rely on them in the future? Knowledge about how energy is produced and consumed globally helps us understand key factors underlying international politics and relevant issues for nations’ economic and social development. Comprehending energy heightens awareness about the causes of climate change and potential solutions. Improving our ability to manage major energy issues is crucial for interpreting both the contemporary world and our longer-term prospects.

Simone Tagliapietra teaches Energy and Environment at the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS Europe) in Bologna and is a fellow at the Bruegel institution in Brussels and the Fondazione ENI Enrico Mattei in Milan.