Many developing regions still heavily rely on polluting fossil fuels in their daily lives, exacerbating poverty. Approximately 1.5 billion people in rural areas use harmful and unsafe cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung.
This leads to 3.2 million premature deaths each year.In connection with the International Day of Clean Energy, celebrated on January 26, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for accelerating the transition to clean energy.
He noted that the installed capacity of renewable energy per capita is increasing and has reached a record of 341 watts per person in developing countries compared to 155 watts in 2015.
“The world is changing, but we need to speed up,” Guterres emphasized the need for the international community to limit the temperature rise to above 1.5 degrees Celsius “as safely and quickly as possible,” implementing a fair phase-out of fossil fuels.
In some regions, renewable energy is becoming the most affordable source. Last year, wind, solar, and other green energy sources for the first time surpassed coal in electricity generation.
Guterres added that clean energy not only helps combat climate change but also promotes development by providing access to electricity, safe cooking methods, improving healthcare and education, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on geopolitical conflicts and fuel price fluctuations.
However, the Secretary-General emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of the transition. Energy networks are not keeping up with the growth of renewable energy capacities, and high financial costs continue to leave many developing countries behind.
He called for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, removing administrative and financial barriers to ensure access to clean energy for populations and industries. Guterres highlighted the importance of modernizing energy grids, developing energy storage systems, and diversifying supply chains, including critical minerals.
The Secretary-General advised the financial sector to lower the cost of capital for developing countries, while multilateral banks should actively work on reducing risks and attracting private investments.
“Clean energy is the future that is already close,” Guterres stated. “Let’s seize the moment and spread the revolution in renewable energy worldwide.”The photo on the main page is illustrative: UNDP.
