In Brazil, Guterres Calls for a “Fair, Fast and Final” Shift to Clean Energy
UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues to advocate for a swift global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, described as “the cheapest source of new electricity in nearly every country.”
In remarks delivered on Friday at the Energy Transition Roundtable in Belém, Brazil—just days before the COP30 climate conference—he emphasized the urgency of this shift:
“The fossil fuel age is ending. Let us make the transition fair, fast, and final.”
Guterres highlighted the rapid changes in the global energy landscape, noting that green energy sources made up 90% of new power capacity last year. Global investment in renewables reached $2 trillion, surpassing fossil fuel investments by $800 billion.
“The renewables revolution is here,” he affirmed. “But we must go much faster – and ensure all nations share the benefits.”
The Secretary-General urged the international community to guarantee a “just, orderly and equitable” transition, calling for tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Despite these efforts, countries are not meeting targets. Even with the implementation of new national climate plans, global temperatures are still forecasted to rise above 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
Key Messages from the Address
- The need for a rapid and fair end to the fossil fuel era
- Renewables represent the dominant and most cost-effective energy source
- Significant investments have favored clean energy over fossil fuels
- The global transition must be equitable and inclusive
- Current national plans fall short of preventing dangerous climate warming
Summary: António Guterres calls for a swift, fair transition to renewable energy, stressing the critical need to accelerate global efforts and ensure equitable benefits amid rising climate risks.