“Only renewable energy can protect our future, close the energy access gap, stabilize prices and ensure energy security,” he said. a video message to the 13th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Council, taking place this weekend in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
“Together, let’s kick off a renewable energy revolution and create a brighter future for everyone.”
‘Death sentence’ for many people
The world is still addicted to fossil fuels and the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is quickly slipping out of hand, the head of the United Nations has warned.
“Under current policies, we are headed for global warming of 2.8 degrees by the end of this century. The consequences will be dire. Some parts of our planet will be uninhabitable. And for many, this is a death sentence,” he said.
Renewable energy sources currently account for about 30% of global electricity.
Mr. Guterres said this right double to more than 60% by 2030and 90 percent by mid-century.
Global public goods
His Five Point Energy Plan first calls for remove barriers to intellectual property so that key renewable technologies, including energy storage, are considered a global public good.
Countries must also diversify and increase access to supply chains of raw materials and components for renewable energy technology, do not degrade the environmentare not.
“This could help create millions of green jobs, especially for women and young people in developing countries,” said Mr. Guterres.
In Belarus, UNDP helped build the country’s largest wind farm. Wind energy could help Belarus become energy independent by 2050.
Meal allowance
Secretary-General urges policymakers Reduce administrative procedures, quickly approve sustainable projects around the world and modernize the power grid.
His fourth point focuses on energy subsidies. He emphasized the need to switch from fossil fuels to clean and affordable energyadded “we must support the vulnerable groups affected by this transition.”
The last point highlights how public and private investment in renewable energy will triple at least 4 trillion dollars a year.
Noting that most renewable energy investments are in developed countries, the Secretary-General called on countries to work together to reduce the cost of capital for renewable energy and ensure that financing flows to those who need it most.
He added, multilateral development banks also have to invest massively in renewable energy infrastructure, while wealthier countries have to work with credit institutions to scale up their investments. green in developing countries.
Strengthening energy sovereignty
The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, emphasized how success in climate protection depends on the transition to clean energy.
“But the energy transition we have foreseen is a peace time agenda, he said in a pre-recorded message. “How will it work in times of major political confrontations when the power supply is turned into an instrument of conflict?”
Despite possible short-term obstacles, along with the potential for increased greenhouse gas emissions to lead to global warming, Mr. Kőrösi pointed to the long-term benefits of green energy.
“If we look at investment trends, the long-term impact of the conflict could be the opposite. From solar to wind, wave and geothermal, renewable energy sources are available to every region. climate. Their use has potential strengthening energy sovereignty,he say.
Weather and climate-related disasters – floods, heatwaves and severe droughts have affected millions of people and caused billions of dollars in damage by 2022, as the signs and impacts of climate change. climate change increases.
‘Desperate race against time’
The President of the General Assembly outlined the steps to be taken for renewable energy to account for 60% of global electricity production by 2030.
These include investing in scientific measurement tools, creating a tracking mechanism to assess progress, removing intellectual property barriers, and forging partnerships for sustainable energy initiatives. steady.
Mr. Kőrösi emphasized the urgency to act now.
“We are in a desperate race against time. We need bold change action to limit climate change,” he said. “We have knowledge. We have the vehicle. We should only have the will.”
