“The era of fossil fuels is coming to an end. Clean energy is on the rise. Let’s make the transition fair, fast and final” he said.
‘Renewable energy revolution’ underway
The UN chief told world leaders that “the global energy landscape is changing rapidly.”
Green energy sources accounted for 90 percent of new energy capacity last year, while investments in them reached $2 trillion, or $800 billion more than fossil fuels.
“The renewable energy revolution has arrived,” he said. “But we need to move much faster – and ensure that all countries share in the benefits.”
The international community must ensure a “just, orderly and equitable” transition from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by the end of the decade.
Keep global warming under control
However, countries are falling short. Even if new national climate action plans are implemented, global temperature increase is still expected to be more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
“That means more flooding, more heat, more suffering – everywhere,” he warned.
“To get back below 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, global emissions will need to fall by almost half by 2030, reach net zero by 2050 and become net negative thereafter..”
Focus on policy and people
The Secretary General outlined five action areascalling first and foremost on countries to “align laws, policies and incentives with a just energy transition; and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies that distort markets and lock us into the past.”
Governments must “put people and equality at the heart of the transition” and support workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on oil, coal and gas, including through training and new opportunities.
This is especially true for young people and women.
Support developing countries
“Invest in networks, storage and efficiency. Renewables are increasing, infrastructure must catch up quickly,” he continued.
Because “technology must be part of the solution, not a new source of tension,” clean energy must drive all new electricity demand, “including from the data centers that power the AI revolution.”
His final point emphasized the need to “unlock financing at scale for developing countries,” noting that Africa receives only two percent of global clean energy investments.
“We must support developing countries in implementing their commitment to transition away from fossil fuels: through stronger cooperation, investments and technology transfer – and tailored to different capacities and dependencies,” he said.
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