United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an urgent global transition away from fossil fuels, warning that the world is simultaneously confronting a worsening climate emergency and an escalating energy crisis driven by dependence on hydrocarbons.
Speaking at a climate event in London, Guterres described the situation as a “Tale of Two Crises,” arguing that both challenges stem from the same source and require a common solution: a rapid and equitable shift to renewable energy alongside stronger investments in climate adaptation and resilience.
“A climate crisis is pushing us deeper toward higher temperatures and catastrophic tipping points, while an energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world hooked on hydrocarbons,” Guterres said.
He stressed that fossil fuels remain at the centre of both crises and warned that continuing reliance on them would only deepen economic instability and environmental damage.
Climate Chaos Accelerating Worldwide
The UN chief pointed to rising global temperatures and increasingly severe weather events as evidence that climate change is accelerating.
According to Guterres, the world has experienced its 11 hottest years on record, while scientists now project that average global temperatures could exceed the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold agreed under the Paris Climate Agreement in the coming years.
He warned that prolonged temperature overshoots could trigger irreversible environmental changes, including the collapse of coral reef ecosystems, accelerated melting of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, rising sea levels, disruptions to major ocean circulation systems, and significant degradation of the Amazon rainforest.
“The Earth’s tipping points are like objects in a car mirror. They are far closer than they appear,” he cautioned.
Middle East Conflict Deepens Global Energy Crisis
Guterres also highlighted the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East, describing the resulting energy shock as one of the most significant in decades.
Citing assessments from the International Energy Agency, he said the scale of disruption rivals major oil crises of the 1970s and the market turmoil that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
For many developing nations, he noted, the crisis extends beyond energy prices to include rising debt burdens, food insecurity, and economic setbacks.
“For many developing countries, this is not just an energy crisis. It is a debt shock, a food shock and a development shock,” he said.
Renewable Energy Offers a Clear Path Forward
Despite the challenges, Guterres expressed optimism about the growing role of renewable energy technologies.
He noted that the cost of solar power has fallen by nearly 90 per cent since 2010, while onshore wind and battery storage costs have dropped significantly. He said renewable energy now represents the cheapest and fastest-growing source of new electricity in most regions of the world.
According to the UN chief, renewable energy capacity helped save the global economy an estimated $480 billion in fossil fuel costs in 2025, while preventing substantial carbon emissions.
“There are no embargoes on sunlight and no blockades on the wind,” he remarked.
Guterres argued that energy security can no longer be built on fossil fuel dependence, describing renewables as the foundation of long-term economic resilience and independence.
Global Call to Cut Methane Emissions
As part of efforts to curb global warming, Guterres announced a new Global Call to Action on Methane, targeting emissions from waste management, agriculture, and fossil fuel production.
He emphasized that methane accounts for roughly one-third of global warming and is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term.
The UN chief urged governments and energy companies to adopt stricter measures to reduce methane leaks and flaring activities across the oil and gas sector.
“Voluntary action is no longer enough. Methane pollution must be next,” he said, referencing previous global efforts to eliminate leaded gasoline and ozone-depleting chemicals.
AI Industry Must Disclose Environmental Costs
Guterres also raised concerns about the environmental impact of rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure.
He warned that AI data centres consume vast amounts of electricity, water, and land, and could become one of the fastest-growing sources of energy demand by the end of the decade.
To address these concerns, he announced plans for an AI Environmental Transparency Initiative, calling on technology companies to publicly disclose the carbon, water, and land footprints of their AI systems and commit to powering all data centres with renewable energy by 2030.
“If AI is to help build a better future, it must be honest about what it costs us now,” he stated.
Financing Climate Action and Supporting Developing Countries
The UN Secretary-General stressed that climate action will require significantly greater financial support for developing countries, particularly in Africa.
He noted that Africa possesses approximately 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources but receives only a small fraction of global clean energy investment, despite millions of people lacking access to electricity.
Guterres urged developed countries to fulfil climate finance commitments, expand support for adaptation initiatives, and strengthen international financial institutions to help fund renewable energy projects and climate resilience programmes.
“This is unjust and a lost opportunity for Africa and the world,” he said.
Defending Science and Climate Truth
The UN chief concluded by warning against the spread of climate misinformation, which he said undermines public trust and delays urgent action.
He called for stronger protection of scientific independence, journalists, environmental defenders, and evidence-based policymaking.
Guterres highlighted the launch of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, aimed at combating disinformation and ensuring access to credible scientific information.
“Facts matter. Science matters. Information integrity matters,” he declared.
A Defining Moment for Global Climate Action
Closing his address, Guterres said the world stands at a critical crossroads.
While climate impacts continue to intensify and energy insecurity remains a pressing concern, he argued that the rapid growth of renewable energy presents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape economies, improve energy access, create jobs, and strengthen global security.
“We can finally turn the page on fossil fuels and write a future powered by renewables and rooted in climate justice,” Guterres said. “This is our moment of choice, our moment of truth, and our moment of opportunity.”
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