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In Virtual Summit, UN Secretary-General Encourages Countries to Use Renewable Energy Sources
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, encourages all countries to stop financing the coal industry and commit to not building new fossil fuel power plants, in order to advance the use of renewable energy.
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These requests were made during a virtual summit discussing energy transition, with the participation of 40 nations (which together account for 80% of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions). They discussed ways to promote economic growth, reduce emissions, and make the energy system more resilient to climate change.
As countries try to reopen their economies amid economic sluggishness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and investors are calling for recovery plans that focus on “green” stimulus measures. The European Union and South Korea have committed to environmental restoration plans.
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António mentioned that some countries used economic stimulus plans to support fossil fuel companies facing financial issues, while others opted to strengthen coal-fired power plants.
Guterres stated in his speech at the virtual summit that “Coal has no place in COVID-19 recovery plans.”
According to the Secretary-General, in nearly all markets, the arguments in favor of renewable energy are better than those for coal, and the work related to environmental protection and sustainable growth is a crucial factor. In the past decade, the cost of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, has dropped significantly.
As the second-largest economy in the world and the largest coal producer, China has expressed its commitment to achieving clean, efficient, and low-carbon development in the energy sector.
Dan Brouillette, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, stated that he opposes any ban on fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Secretary said, “Renewables alone cannot ensure a reliable flow of energy for any nation.” He added, “In summary, every nation can benefit from a broader fuel ‘mix’ to keep its grid functioning. If a source is not as clean, innovation aims to make it cleaner and ultimately, fully clean.”
