Climate Change Advisory Council Member Professor John Fitzgerald has said the shutdown of a Russian pipeline will have a huge effect throughout Europe.
He said it has huge implications for Germany and Italy and other economies in Europe because they receive half, or more, of their gas from Russia.
He told RTÉ's Morning Ireland that if the Nord Stream 1 pipeline does not reopen on 21 July, as is planned, Germany may have to shut down most of its industry "and it would have a dramatic effect on the European economy."
The pipeline transports 55 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year of gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea.
Prof Fitzgerald said EU governments are trying to work to show solidarity and try to share what limited gas will be available, "but that's the real concern."
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He explained that Ireland gets 30% of our gas from Corrib, the other 70% comes from Britain or through Britain from Norway, "so we're not directly affected" by the Russian pipeline being shut down.
However, he said, if Europe decides to "share the pain" then Ireland would be affected. But if Britain decides not to share their gas with the rest of Europe, Ireland may be insulated as we will likely still get gas through the UK.
He said returning to burning solid fuel for energy in the short run is bad for climate change and in the long run it highlights the need to invest in renewables, which will help make us independent of Russia.
He warned that energy prices are going to rise further, "but if the gas is cut off by the Russians, then you could see a further dramatic rise in prices.
"It depends on what happens in terms of sharing in Europe, but there could be a further dramatic rise."
Prof Fitzgerald said that a very small number of households burn turf in Ireland. He said about 100,000 households use solid fuel, coal or peat, as the main source of heating.
He said that peat is "exceptionally damaging", and it is not just burning the peat, it is damaging the bogs.
"It's bad for climate change, but it's not a massive issue" for most people in Ireland.
