Beyond the inevitable climate change impacts , the world is seeing significant changes in energy availability — and consumers are taking the brunt of it . The price rises can be seen in shining lights at local fuel stations and on paper , as consumers receive higher energy bills nearing annual rates of £ 2,000 pa in the UK .

It appears that , while COVID-19 cases rise again — although seemingly less detrimental to public health at its current stage — there are lasting effects from the height of the pandemic , which are only now coming to light .

COVID-19 is just one global issue the energy industry has to contend with ; a cold winter across Europe and Asia in 2021 severely depleted gas reserves , and the barriers in place — resulting from the war in Ukraine — are pushing oil prices to US $ 100 per barrel , reaping havoc with companies ’ and consumers ’ bank accounts .

� DHL EXPRESS The logistics company entered into agreements with Neste and BP for the supply of around 800 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel to decarbonise its aircraft fleet and reduce emissions by upto 80 %

� MERCEDES-BENZ AG The German carmaker is moving into the US electric vehicle business , opening a vehicle battery manufacturing plant in Alabama that will serve its expansion into the States

� ACCIONA According to GlobalData ’ s Multinational Companies Database , the energy infrastructure is at risk from the actions of Russia , with seven subsidiary businesses based in Ukraine

� MICROSOFT Following the release of its Environmental Sustainability Report in early-March , Microsoft has experienced a setback in carbon reduction , moving it further away from its climate target as Scope 3 emissions increased by 22.7 % in FY21

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