“And it makes one fact very clear: fossil fuels are not only destroying our planet, they are also holding economies hostage.”
Investment increase
The Secretary General defended investment in renewable energy, which reached $2.2 trillion last year or double the amount invested in fossil fuels.
He highlighted that “local renewable energies are the cheapest, fastest and most reliable source of new energy”, paving the way towards real and lasting energy security.
However, this requires action on three fronts.
A just transition
“First, we must respond to the energy crisis without deepening the climate crisis”he said, recalling that the world has just experienced the 11 hottest years on record “and all the important climate indicators are in the red.”
His second point asked building the necessary infrastructure “bring clean energy to every home” by expanding energy grids, storage and modern electrical systems.
Finally, the international community must mobilize financesparticularly for developing countries because “without support, the transition will be slower, less fair and less secure.”
Keep your promises
He noted that for developing countries, clean energy financing costs are two to three times higher than in richer economies.
“However, many developed countries are moving away from climate and development finance commitments,” he added.
The UN chief called for climate justice. He urged countries to deliver on their climate finance pledges, replenish multilateral climate funds and mobilize $1.3 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries.
‘Make the right decision’
The international community must also significantly increase funding for adaptation “as a matter of survival,” he continued.
Although the communities on the front lines of the climate crisis did the least to create it, they are the ones paying the highest price.
“Adaptation saves lives, protects livelihoods and strengthens economies,” he said. “And every dollar invested today saves many times more in avoided losses tomorrow.”
The Secretary General issued a challenge to the international community, saying “We can repeat the failures of the past or we can unleash the renewable energy revolution..”
He urged leaders to “make the right decision” for climate stability, energy security and a liveable future for all.
Climate conversations
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an international conference convened each year by Germany to advance negotiations ahead of the annual UN climate change conferences.
Ministers and high-level envoys from some 40 countries are attending the current talks that will take place from April 20 to 21.
“Discussions are expected to focus on three main priorities: the implementation of the Paris Agreement, international climate finance and geopolitical resilience,” according to the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC.
The next UN climate conference, COP31, will be held in Antalya, Türkiyethis November.
The UNFCCC supports the Petersberg Climate Dialogue as part of a broader multilateral climate process.
The informal format “allows parties to explore solutions to complex and sensitive issues outside of formal negotiation settings,” he said.
Furthermore, “these exchanges can help identify areas of convergence ahead of the intersessional climate negotiations in Bonn in June and contribute to preparations for decisions at COP31.”