According to information from the UN News Service, over 75% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are linked to the use of fossil fuels for energy production.
The lack of reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources significantly hinders progress in crucial areas such as education, healthcare, and the economy.
In developing countries, the population still heavily relies on polluting fossil energy sources, leading to increased poverty levels. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion people in rural areas continue to use dangerous and inefficient cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung.
According to data, this results in 3.2 million premature deaths each year.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an accelerated global transition to alternative energy sources. He noted that renewable energy is becoming the main driver of change, and last year, clean energy for the first time provided more electricity than coal in several regions.
According to Guterres, the transition to clean energy not only helps combat climate change but also improves access to electricity for those living without it, creates safe cooking methods, enhances healthcare and education outcomes, creates new jobs, and reduces dependence on geopolitical risks and fuel price volatility.
According to the UN, every dollar invested in renewable energy creates three times more jobs compared to investments in fossil fuels.
However, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of the transition. Existing energy networks are struggling to keep up with the increase in renewable energy capacity, and high financial costs leave many developing countries out of the game.
Guterres called for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030, removing administrative and financial barriers to ensure access to clean energy for populations and industries. He highlighted the importance of modernizing energy grids, developing energy storage systems, and diversifying supplies, including critical minerals.
The UN Secretary-General also noted that special attention should be paid to the fairness of the transition—protecting the interests of workers and local communities, supporting educational initiatives, and creating new economic opportunities.
