A candidate for the presidency of America must show political boldness, even political courage. To dare to pave the way, to lead public opinion. Even when this may cost him politically.

With that in mind, the highlight of last week’s televised debate for me was when Biden said he was in favor of a “transition from the oil” to other forms of energy – such as solar energy. An energy source that countries like Greece and Cyprus use almost to an unlimited degree.

The margins for error regarding environmental protection are narrowing dangerously.

Climate change is now something we experience every day. From the wildfires in California to the turbulent weather in Greece.

It is a truly ‘existential crisis’ for humanity, as Biden rightly called it.

Republicans saw it as a good opportunity to attack him. A statement issued Friday morning read: “Last night, Joe Biden issued a crystal-clear threat to 19 million Americans with his promise to eliminate the oil industry.”

He did not say exactly that, but it does not matter much.

I am pleased to see that in this election cycle the issue of climate change is being discussed quite widely, for the first time in history. And that, I repeat, is very good. And they are doing it because people are now ready to discuss it. It’s something that bothers us.

When Hillary said in the 2016 election that, “we’re going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business,” many voters in states that were critical for her election noted it, and punished her.

Maybe this time the price Biden will pay will be small – perhaps he will even benefit.

Obviously there is no painless way to  transition from oil and coal to solar and other forms of energy. 

However, there is no other solution than switching to new energy sources. Nor do we have much time.

The right, responsible solution to this crucial issue for humanity is the gradual move from lucrative hydrocarbons to other forms of energy. Many companies in Europe – and China – are already doing so.

And of course this should be done after opportunities are given to workers and companies to adapt to the new reality. And a good solution would be for these companies to develop new forms of energy themselves, using the knowledge and resources they currently have.