UN Secretary-General António Guterres is intensifying his call for a swift transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, asserting it as “the cheapest source of new electricity in nearly every country.” He made these remarks during the Energy Transition Roundtable in Belém, Brazil, just days before the upcoming COP30 climate change conference. Guterres underscored the need for a just, rapid, and comprehensive transition towards renewable energy.
He pointed out the remarkable shift in the energy sector, revealing that renewable sources accounted for 90 percent of new power capacity last year, with investments in renewables soaring to an impressive US$2 trillion—outpacing fossil fuel investments by US$800 billion. “The renewables revolution is here,” he proclaimed, urging nations to escalate their efforts to ensure that every country benefits from this pivotal transition.
However, Guterres expressed concern that countries are lagging in implementing their climate action strategies. He highlighted that even with new national commitments, the rise in global temperatures is projected to exceed 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This increase is likely to result in more severe weather events, floods, and heightened global suffering.
To maintain the critical temperature limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, Guterres emphasized that significant reductions in global emissions are essential—targeting a decrease of nearly 50 percent by 2030 and aiming for net zero by 2050, with a subsequent transition to net negative emissions.
During his address, Guterres outlined five critical areas for action, stressing the importance of aligning laws and policies with a fair energy transition. He called for an end to fossil fuel subsidies that hinder progress and advocated for prioritizing “people and equity” in the transition, particularly focusing on the needs of workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels. He also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for youth and women within this shift.
Furthermore, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for investment in infrastructure to support renewable energy, such as grids and storage systems, to accommodate the growing demand from technological advancements and data centers. He pointed out that current investments in clean energy are disproportionately allocated, with Africa receiving only two percent of global funding, underscoring the necessity for enhanced financing and cooperation tailored to the capabilities and needs of developing nations.
This increasing focus on clean energy not only marks a decisive opportunity for collective climate action but also points to a promising path towards a sustainable future. By committing to renewable energy and supporting vulnerable communities, nations have the potential to drive a global shift that fosters climate stability, economic growth, and social equity.