As global oil prices surge, should Australia increase its renewable energy use? - Your climate transition questions answered

The impacts of the Iran war and crisis in the Middle East are reshaping the global economy – should Australia change the way it thinks about energy? Climate and environment editor Adam Morton answered your questions The US-Israel war on Iran has caused a surge in fossil fuel prices – again. A similar thing happened after Russia invaded Ukraine. Then it was gas, now it’s petrol and diesel. The war has triggered a fuel crisis, and led to a surge in people considering buying electric cars. Meanwhile, a recent report found Australian federal and state governments will pay or forgo A$16.3bn in fossil fuel subsidies this financial year. Adam Morton, Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor, has written recently on the case for winding back the biggest fossil fuel subsidy – fuel tax credits – and for accelerating the shift to clean energy to help limit the impact of future shocks. What steps could be taken, and what stands in the way? Adam has now finished answering your questions. Thanks for taking part. Adam, do you foresee an Australia where most people generate their own energy for domestic use and transport and what do you think the wider economic and sociological impacts