The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that phasing out fossil fuels was not only necessary but also unavoidable.
The PUNCH reported that he urged countries to take action and hasten the switch from fossil fuel to clean energy, with the largest emitters setting the example, during a speech on Friday in honour of the inaugural International Day of Clean Energy.
Guterres believes that clean energy is the gift that keeps on giving, capable of purifying filthy air, meeting rising energy demand, and securing supplies.
The UN Secretary-General stated that fossil fuels might provide billions of people with inexpensive power, “helping to ensure electricity access to all by 2030,” while saving money and the environment.
“So, I celebrate the first International Day of Clean Energy and commend the work of the International Renewable Energy Agency. And I support the request made by governments at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“I am convinced that the phase-out of fossil fuels is not only essential, but unavoidable. However, governments must act to speed the transition, with the largest emitters leading the way,” he revealed.
It involves, according to Guterres, “unleashing a surge in climate finance, particularly, governments reforming the business model of multilateral development banks so that affordable finance flows” .
He continued, “It implies that countries must develop new national climate plans by 2025 that outline a fair and just transition to sustainable energy. And it means government closing the door on the fossil fuel era – with justice and equity.
However, the organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries had continued to disagree with NGOs pushing for an end to fossil fuels.
Despite a global push for renewable energy sources, OPEC wants to invest more in oil.
According to OPEC, oil remains important in the transition to renewable energy, with global oil demand expected to reach 116 million barrels per day by 2045.
OPEC’s Secretary-General, Haitham Al Ghais, disagreed with proposals to halt investments in new oil projects, saying they were wrong and may lead to energy and economic upheaval.
Al Ghais also disagreed with the International Energy Agency regarding the necessity to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.
While the IEA continued to advocate for the replacement of fossil fuels with renewables like as solar, wind, and water, OPEC, a group of countries that produce fossil fuels, stated that the transition could not be completed overnight.
The United Nations General Assembly established January 26 of each year as International Day of Clean Energy, a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the world.
The United Nations stated that coal, oil, and gas were responsible for 90 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
