By Vibhu Mishra/UN News
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has said the world has reached a turning point in the move from fossil fuels to clean renewable energy like solar and wind. Speaking in New York, Guterres declared that the shift to green energy is now “unstoppable” but warned that it is not happening fast enough or fairly enough, especially for poorer countries.
He pointed out that investment in clean energy is now much higher than in fossil fuels. In 2023, the world invested $2 trillion in clean energy (KES 260 trillion) compared to much less for oil, gas, and coal.
He shared new data showing that solar energy is now 41% cheaper than fossil fuels, while offshore wind power is 53% cheaper. Over 90% of the new power built around the world in the past year came from clean energy, not fossil fuels. Even in Africa, clean energy is gaining ground, though the pace is still too slow.
“This is no longer about what’s coming in the future,” Guterres said. “The clean energy age is already here.”
He said fossil fuels are now more of a danger than a solution. The world saw major price hikes in fuel after the war in Ukraine. In contrast, sunlight and wind are free, and no country can block them: “There are no price shocks in sunshine. No one can embargo the wind,” he said.
He also warned that the fossil fuel industry will keep trying to slow down the transition, but he expressed confidence they will fail. “We have passed the point of no return.”
To speed up the transition, Guterres called for more ambitious national plans, saying countries must update their climate goals and show clear plans to cut emissions before the UN summit in September.
The Secretary General also urged countries to triple renewable power by 2030, move away from fossil fuels quickly and fairly, and allocate more money for developing countries
Even though Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar potential, the continent received just 2% of all global clean energy investment in 2023.
In the last 10 years, only one out of every five dollars for clean energy went to developing countries outside China. Guterres said this must change. Investment in countries like Kenya needs to grow five times more by 2030 if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
He called for reforms to global finance systems, like cheaper loans, debt swaps for climate action, and stronger development banks to help poor countries catch up.
“The fossil fuel age is dying,” Guterres said. “We are stepping into a new era of clean energy. But it won’t happen by magic. It needs us, governments, businesses, and citizens to act now. This is our moment of opportunity.”
