According to data from the UN News Service, over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy needs.
The lack of affordable and environmentally friendly energy supply severely hinders development in areas such as healthcare, education, and the economy.
Many developing regions continue to rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels, which only exacerbates the plight of their populations. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion people in rural areas still use unsafe cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung, leading to 3.2 million premature deaths annually.
It is estimated that this results in 3.2 million premature deaths each year.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for accelerating the global transition to renewable energy sources. He noted that such sources have already become the main driver of energy transformations. Last year, alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind, provided more electricity than coal for the first time and are becoming the most accessible sources of energy.
Guterres also emphasized that clean energy not only helps combat climate change but also opens new opportunities for development: it provides access to electricity for those living without it, improves cooking conditions, enhances healthcare and education outcomes, creates jobs, and reduces dependence on fuel price fluctuations and geopolitical factors.
According to the UN, every dollar invested in renewable energy generates three times more jobs compared to investments in fossil fuels.
However, the UN Secretary-General noted that it is necessary to accelerate the transition to clean energy, as existing energy networks are not keeping pace with the growth of renewable capacity, and high financial costs continue to leave many developing countries behind.
Guterres called for doubling renewable energy capacity by 2030, removing administrative and financial barriers to ensure access to clean energy for populations and industries. He emphasized the importance of modernizing energy grids, developing energy storage systems, and diversifying supply chains, including critical minerals.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the need for a just transition that must protect the rights of workers and local communities, support education, and create new economic opportunities.
