Guterres: ‘Global addiction to fossil fuels’ must end and a ‘renewables revolution’ be jumpstarted |

Climate catastrophe and soaring fuel prices, he said, have fueled the need to “end fossil fuel addiction globally,” stressing the importance of investing in renewable energy, building build resilience and scale adaptively.

“If we had invested massively in renewable energy before, we wouldn’t be in a climate emergency now.”

Without renewable energy, there can be no future – Head of the United Nations

Renewal: ‘Only the reliable path’

Renewable energy is the “only reliable path” to true energy securitystable electricity prices and decent job opportunities, said the head of the UN.

He also believes that the share of renewable energy in global electricity generation must increase from nearly 30% today to more than 60% by 2030 and 90% by 2050.

“Leaders in business as well as in government must stop thinking about renewable energy as a project of the distant future,” stressed the top UN official.

“Without renewable energy, there can be no future.”

World Bank / Jutta Benzenberg

Countries can reduce their emissions by increasing their use of renewable energy.

Key energy priorities

The Secretary-General went on to outline his Five-Point Energy Plan for the transition to renewable energy, starting with treating these technologies as freely available “global public goods”.

“Identifying patents that can be freely provided – especially those related to batteries and storage capacity – is crucial for a quick and equitable energy transition,” he said. ,” he said.

Next, he emphasized the need to secure, strengthen and diversify supply chains for renewable energy technologies, pointing out that supply chains for components and raw materials “remain focused in some countries”.

Third, is leveling the playing field for renewable energy.

“We have the technology, the capacity and the funds, but we urgently need it,” said the head of the UN put in place policies and frameworks to encourage investment and eliminate congestion caused by red tape, permits and grid connections”.

Changing subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables was his fourth point, as he noted that each year, governments spend about half a trillion dollars artificially lowering the price of fossil fuels. – “more than three times what renewables get”.

“If we shift these resources and subsidies to renewable energy, we will not only cut emissions; we also create more green and good jobs,” he argues.

© UNICEF / Safidy Andriananten

The Androimpano Solar Mounting System, Madagascar, facilitates the daily lives of thousands of people by distributing water through gravity.

Funding for the future

Mr. Guterres’ fifth and final point focuses on the importance of tripling public and private investment in renewable energy to at least $4 trillion a year.

“Solar and wind upfront costs account for 80% of lifetime costs – that is Big investment today will reap bigger rewards tomorrow“I said.

However, this requires: financial resources must flow to those who need it most; a more flexible and adjusted risk framework to scale up renewable finance; and reduce financial costs for developing countries.

“Capital costs for renewable energy projects in developing countries can be seven times higher than in developed countries,” the UN chief stressed that Africa only attracts 2% of the investment. invest in clean energy despite its huge renewable energy potential.

Walking talk

According to Mr. Guterres, A precise transition to a renewable energy future is everyone’s businessincluding the private sector to advance science-based goals and Just a transition plancooperation with labor organizations and civil society.

“Lip service won’t do. We need credible actions and accountability,” he stressed.

All businesses and investors; every city and country has to “talk” to their bogus promises in order to materialize Paris Agreement and rescue Sustainable development goalsthe head of the United Nations added.

“The United Nations Global Compact stands ready to assist in this important endeavour,” he stressed, calling on everyone to accelerate action across sectors and regions “to start the renewable energy revolution“.

© UNICEF / Harikrishna Katragadda

Solar panels provide cooling energy at Vinjaram Primary Medical Center in Andhra Pradesh, India.