António Guterres was speaking at the Climate and Energy Major Economies Forum in Washington DC, convened by the top US climate envoy, John Kerry and chaired by President Joe Biden.
The meeting included countries representing 80% of global GDP, populations and greenhouse gas emissions, according to the White House.
An infinite solution
The Secretary-General told the representatives: “The solution to growth is clear.We has limitless resources for us to use when it comes to energy needs. Wind, sun and tide never run out. If we can successfully replace finite, polluting fossil fuels with limitless renewable resources, we can make the energy equation add up.”
Stable prices and sustainable growth can be achieved if renewable energy sources are prioritized, he said. Furthermore, they help reduce carbon emissions and support energy security.
“The time for hedging bets has ended. The world bet on fossil fuels and lost”, Mr. Guterres stated.
The danger is clear and present
Nothing could be clearer danger of fossil fuel expansion today, he added.
“Even in the short term, it makes no political or economic sense. However, we seem to be stuck in a world where Fossil fuel producers and financiers have throat humanity.
“For decades, many in the fossil fuel industry have invested heavily in pseudoscience and public relations — with false narratives to minimize their responsibility for climate change and undermining ambitious climate policies”.
He likened the hugely profitable fossil fuel industry to the “infamous tactics” of Big Tobacco, in the mid-20th century.
Unplash / Science in HD
Switching to renewable energy could prevent 4-7 million deaths from air pollution annually worldwide.
Responsible
“Like a cigarette hobby, Fossil fuel interests and their financial accomplices must not shirk responsibility. The argument for setting aside climate action to address domestic problems is also hollow. “
He said earlier investment in renewable energy would have avoided today’s predicament after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the dramatic rise in oil and gas prices worldwide.
Conundrum in Ukraine
“Therefore, make sure that the war in Ukraine is not used to increase that dependence. The most pressing domestic issues right now – like inflation and gas prices – are climate and fossil fuel issues.”
For the second time this week, at a major international climate event, he smashed his house his five point plan for a “renewable energy revolution”.
“The climate crisis is our number one emergency,” he said, urging governments to “end the age of fossil fuels.”
“The renewable energy revolution begins now,” he concluded.
© Unsplash / Reegan Fraser
Offshore wind energy is a continuous and limitless source of renewable energy.
