Jakarta — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared that the world is “on the cusp of a new era” powered by clean energy, urging governments, industry leaders, and civil society to seize this pivotal moment to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
In a major address titled “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age,” Tuesday, July 22, Guterres pointed to the sharp rise in global investment in clean energy—reaching USD 2 trillion last year, outpacing fossil fuel investments by USD 800 billion—as proof that a global shift is underway. “Fossil fuels are running out of road,” he said. “The sun is rising on a clean energy age.”
Guterres’s speech accompanied the release of a special UN-backed report outlining the progress made since the Paris Agreement and the urgent actions needed to ensure the transition is both fast and fair. “The clean energy future is no longer a promise—it’s a fact,” he said, adding that no government or lobby group can reverse its momentum.
The UN chief outlined six key opportunity areas to supercharge the transition: firstly, by using “the new national climate plans”. Guterres called on G20 nations—responsible for 80% of global emissions—to submit new national climate commitments ahead of COP30 in Brazil. These plans must align with the 1.5°C target and prioritise a full transition away from fossil fuels.
Secondly, to seize the moment to build the energy systems of the 21st century, highlighting the urgent need to invest in grids, storage, and energy efficiency, noting that renewable power is being built faster than it can be connected. Thirdly, with surging energy demand from technologies like AI and digital finance, Guterres urged tech giants to commit to 100% renewable-powered data centres by 2030.
The fourth opportunity that Guterres listed is “a just energy transition”. The energy shift must support fossil fuel-dependent workers and vulnerable communities, he said. Guterres also condemned exploitative practices in critical mineral supply chains and called for reforms grounded in justice and equity.
Fifth, to use trade and investment to supercharge the energy transition. The Secretary-General stressed the need to remove tariffs on clean energy technologies and modernise investment treaties that fossil fuel companies have used to block progress.
His last point was the “opportunity to unleash the full force of finance” for the Global South. Despite abundant solar potential, Africa received just 2% of global clean energy investment in 2024. Guterres called for a fivefold increase in clean energy financing for developing countries by 2030, along with reforms to the global financial system, more affordable capital, and debt relief mechanisms.
He noted that in 2023, clean energy sectors accounted for 10% of global GDP growth, with major contributions from China (20%), the EU (33%), and the US (6%). “Even Texas, the heart of the American fossil fuel industry, now leads the U.S. in renewables,” Guterres said.
“Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies—they are sabotaging them,” he added.
Guterres closed with a rallying cry: “The fossil fuel age is flailing and failing. We are in the dawn of a new energy era… But it won’t happen on its own. Not fast enough. Not fair enough. It is up to us.”
COP30 will take place in Belém, Brazil, this November, where Guterres is expected to continue pressing for an ambitious, inclusive, and just global energy transition. (nsh)
Banner photo: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. (UN YouTube channel screengrab)
