Guterres urges faster energy transition and fossil fuel phase-out
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat — it is already changing economies, ecosystems and the daily lives of millions. Clean energy is turning from an alternative into an inevitability, and the speed of action today will determine the world for future generations.
Speaking at the UN Climate Summit at UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres noted that the effects of the ongoing super El Niño continue to intensify. He called on all countries to accelerate the energy transition, expand the use of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, cut methane emissions and gradually phase out fossil fuels.
"We are the first generation with the tools to end the fossil fuel era, and the last who can prevent climate catastrophe," he said, urging countries to develop robust roadmaps with clear timelines for the transition away from fossil fuels.
Guterres noted that in most regions of the world renewable energy is the cheapest, fastest to deploy, and also the safest and most reliable source of electricity. Clean energy has turned from an alternative into an unstoppable force, he said.
The same day, Guterres launched the Global Grids Accelerator — a new initiative designed to accelerate investment in electricity infrastructure in Africa and Southeast Asia, and to help turn government and regional priorities into investment-ready and operational projects.
As reported by CCTV+, Guterres' statements came amid growing pressure from climate change and were another call on the international community to act decisively and in a coordinated manner. The launch of the Global Grids Accelerator aims to accelerate the energy transition in regions where access to clean energy remains limited.
