Many developing countries still rely on harmful energy sources, exacerbating poverty. Approximately 1.5 billion people in rural areas continue to use unsafe cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung.
This leads to 3.2 million premature deaths each year.On International Day of Clean Energy, which took place on January 26, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for accelerating the global energy transition.
It is noted that the installed capacity of renewable energy sources per capita continues to grow and has reached a record of 341 watts per person in developing countries, significantly higher than 155 watts in 2015.
Guterres emphasized in his address that the world is changing, and it is necessary to accelerate these changes, adding that the international community must ensure that exceeding the temperature by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius is "as minimal, temporary, and safe as possible" through a just phase-out of fossil fuels.
In some regions, fossil fuels remain the cheapest source of energy, and last year, green energy, including wind and solar, for the first time in history provided more electricity than coal.
The UN Secretary-General noted that clean energy not only helps combat climate change but also improves access to electricity for those who do not yet have it, provides safer cooking methods, enhances health and education, creates jobs, and reduces dependence on geopolitical conflicts and fuel price fluctuations.
However, Guterres emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of the transition. Energy networks are struggling to keep up with the increase in renewable energy capacity, and high financial costs continue to hinder many developing countries.
He called for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, eliminating administrative and financial barriers, and ensuring access to clean energy for both the population and industry. Guterres also highlighted the importance of modernizing energy networks, developing energy storage systems, and diversifying supplies, including critical minerals.
The UN Secretary-General is advised to lower the cost of capital for developing countries, while multilateral banks should work more actively on risk mitigation and attracting private investments.
"Clean energy is the future that is already close," Guterres noted. "Let’s seize this moment and bring the renewable energy revolution to every corner of the world."Photo on the main page is illustrative: UNDP.
