Pretoria: United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres has made a resounding call for the global community to 'supercharge the clean energy age', warning that the fossil fuel era is failing and that the world must seize the moment to accelerate a just, inclusive energy transition.
According to South African Government News Agency, Guterres delivered a special climate address titled, 'A Moment of Opportunity' at the UN Headquarters in New York. He urged world leaders, industries, and civil society to act decisively and collaboratively to fast-track the transition to renewable energy. Guterres highlighted that clean energy investments in 2023 reached $2 trillion, which is nearly $800 billion more than fossil fuels, marking an increase of almost 70% over the past decade.
The address marks a critical moment ahead of COP30 [Conference of the Parties] in Brazil later this year, as nations prepare to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), essential for meeting the global climate target of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Guterres presented evidence that clean energy is now a fast-unfolding reality rather than an aspiration.
According to data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar power is now 41% cheaper than fossil fuels, and offshore wind costs have dropped by 53%. Over 90% of new renewables generate electricity more cheaply than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternatives. Guterres emphasized that the transition is not only about mitigating climate change but also about energy security, job creation, public health, social justice, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Secretary-General also released a special report supported by UN agencies, the International Energy Agency, the IMF, IRENA, the OECD, and the World Bank. The report shows progress since the Paris Agreement and highlights the benefits and actions needed to accelerate a just transition globally. Guterres stressed that renewables nearly match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity and emphasized that renewables are here to stay as the foundation of energy security and sovereignty.
Guterres highlighted the greatest threat to energy security today lies in fossil fuels, which expose economies to price shocks, supply disruptions, and geopolitical turmoil. He noted the recent global energy crisis, with oil and gas prices soaring and electricity and food bills following, as evidence of this threat. He pointed out that renewables offer stable, affordable energy without price spikes or embargoes.
Guterres also cited statistics showing clean energy accounts for 10% of global GDP growth and employs nearly 35 million people worldwide, outpacing fossil fuel jobs. In Africa, despite having 60% of the world's best solar resources, the continent received only 2% of global clean energy investment last year. Guterres urged for global finance systems reform to unlock climate finance for the developing world.
The UN Secretary-General underscored that the energy transition must be just and inclusive, supporting fossil fuel workers, vulnerable communities, and developing nations. He condemned the exploitation in critical minerals supply chains and called for an end to environmental destruction and human rights violations in mining regions.
Guterres urged governments to submit new NDCs by COP30 and for the private sector, particularly technology companies, to commit to using 100% renewable energy by 2030. He declared the dawn of a new energy era with abundant economic opportunities powered by cheap, clean energy, urging for action to power humanity's future. - SAnews.gov.za