Renewable Energy ‘Crucial’ for Sustainable, Prosperous and Peaceful Future, UN Chief Says

United Nations  – Renewable energy is “crucial for building a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful future”, UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday, launching an accelerated drive for clean energy and climate action.

“Our challenge is clear: to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the world must cut carbon emissions by at least 45 percent below 2010 levels within the next decade,” UN head António Guterres said, addressing more than 20 ministerial-level “Global Champions” at the virtual High-level Dialogue on Energy – the global platform where governments, businesses and others can come together to recommit to more sustainable energy use.

He underscored that the world was “way off track” and needed to use the COVID-19 recovery period to build a sustainable economy, driven by renewables.

“If we want this energy transition to be just, and to succeed in creating new jobs, a cleaner and healthier environment and a resilient future, developing countries need strong support,” he stated.

In the months ahead, the Global Champion Ministers will galvanize voluntary energy compact commitments towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7, which will align with countries’ plans committing them to increasingly ambitious climate actions, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and long-term climate goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement.