UN’s Antonio Guterres backs quick transition to renewable energy

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a faster transition to renewable energy in order to combat the rising threats of climate change.

He said, “Instead of slowing down the decarbonisation of the global economy, now is the time to accelerate the energy transition to a renewable energy future.” The UN Chief shared his views in a video message to the Geneva press conference. He launched a new report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The new report that runs through 3,600 pages focuses on the practical impacts of climate change on humans and nature. Antonio Guterres warned that global average temperatures have already risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius from the pre-industrial revolution era, roughly two degrees Fahrenheit. The UN Chief said this leaves ‘perilously little room’ for meeting the targets of the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

He added, “I am calling for developed countries, Multilateral Development Banks, private financiers and  to form coalitions to help major emerging economies end the use of coal.”

“The Glasgow commitment on adaptation funding is clearly not enough to meet the challenges faced by nations on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said the top UN official.

In January, the UN Chief had said that all counties need to have mid-term goals that are aligned with the objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Guterres said that 789 million people live without electricity today and three fourth of those are in the sub-Saharan region which is both injustice and an impediment to sustainable development.

The top UN chief has called for a ‘strong commitment from all governments’ to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, active carbon taxation and end coal based power plants.

The new IPCC report gives a clear picture as to the impact of climate change on all living beings on the planet. It says that corals will deplete due to faster Greenland ice melting, 40% of world population is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, establishes the concept of loss and damages, and large cities that produce most greenhouse gases are centers of hope as they can be transformed in near future.