Clean energy revolution already here, no one can stop it UN secretary-general says

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that the world is in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, and no country can escape the consequences of this challenge.

Guterres made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit at COP29 in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He noted that therefore, at COP29, it is crucial to agree on rules for fair and effective carbon markets that support this fight—markets that respect the rights of local communities and leave no room for greenwashing or land grabbing.

"The economic necessity is becoming clear and compelling—with every new renewable energy installation, every innovation, and every drop in prices. Last year, for the first time, investment in electric grids and renewable energy surpassed spending on fossil fuels. Everywhere, solar and wind energy are becoming the cheapest sources of new electricity. Doubling down on fossil fuels is absurd," Guterres said.

“The clean energy revolution is already here, and no one can stop it. But you can and must ensure that it is both fair and fast enough to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C," Guterres noted.

The UN secretary-general urged everyone to focus on three key priorities. The first is the urgent need to reduce emissions to limit global temperature rise, with emissions which should be cut by 9 per cent annually.

By 2030, they must be reduced by 43 per cent compared to 2019. This requires covering all emissions and sectors of the economy, advancing global goals to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency, and halt deforestation.

It also means reducing global fossil fuel production and consumption by 30 per cent, aligning national energy transition strategies and sustainable development priorities with climate action to attract the necessary investments. 

"All countries must contribute, but the G20 must lead. They are the largest emitters, with the greatest capabilities and responsibility. They must pool their technological expertise—supported by developed nations—to assist developing economies," Guterres said.

Secondly, the UN secretary-general stated that more must be done to protect people from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. 

"The most vulnerable are being left behind in the face of climate extremes. The gap between adaptation needs and financing could reach $359 billion annually by 2030. These missing dollars are not abstract numbers on a balance sheet—they represent lost lives, failed crops, and missed opportunities for development," he said.

He said that now more than ever, it is crucial to fulfill financial commitments. Developed countries must double adaptation funding to at least $40 billion per year by 2025. Given the urgent need to turn commitments into real money, financing becomes the third priority. 

"COP29 must break down the barriers to climate financing. Developing countries must not leave Baku empty-handed. An agreement is essential. We need a new financial target that matches the moment," he said, adding that climate financing is crucial—otherwise, humanity will pay the price. 

"Climate financing is not charity; it’s an investment. Climate action is not a choice; it’s an imperative," he concluded.

Moreover, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has said that in 2023, greenhouse gas emissions in the EU member states decreased by 8 per cent, while globally, emissions rose by 1.3 per cent. 

Wopke made these remarks during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku. He noted that the reduction in emissions in the EU member states was largely driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energy use. 

"Today, more than half of Europe’s electricity is generated from wind and solar power, surpassing all forms of fossil fuels. Renewable energy is produced from local sources, which not only helps create jobs but also protects the environment. Achieving our targets will reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 10 billion tons, which is more than the total emissions from EU member states over three years. It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe it is achievable," he added.

The Summit of World Leaders within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has started in Baku.

On November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially kicked off in Baku, marking one of the most significant and prestigious global events.

Caliber.Az reports that COP29, which is being held at the Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, is Azerbaijan's largest event to date and the first of its kind in the region. A "Host Country Agreement" and other key documents were signed between the Azerbaijani government and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) related to climate finance.

The COP29 presidency has put forward 14 initiatives that encompass the interlinkage between climate action and sustainable development goals. These include green energy corridors, green energy storage, climate resilience harmony, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and actions in the field of green digital technologies, among other topics. One of the proposed initiatives is the establishment of a Climate Finance Action Fund.

Beyond prioritising climate finance, which brings everyone together, this initiative will also contribute to meeting the 1.5°C commitment.

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to environmental protection and addressing the impacts of climate change, actively working in this direction. The country’s unanimous election as the host of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties is a clear testament to this. As noted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, this is a sign of great respect and trust from the international community towards Azerbaijan.

By Naila Huseynova