UN Chief Says Fossil Fuels Are Failing, Urges Global Clean Energy Push

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made a compelling appeal at UN headquarters, urging governments, financial institutions, and industries to seize what he called a 'moment of opportunity', to supercharge the global shift to clean energy and move beyond fossil fuels.

In a firm but measured warning, Guterres said the fossil fuel industry is 'flailing and failing', accusing it of dragging down economies and delaying meaningful climate action. His remarks came as part of a renewed effort to push major economies, especially G20 nations, to speed up their energy transitions ahead of upcoming climate negotiations.

Guterres called for an immediate end to fossil fuel subsidies, which totalled a record USD 7 trillion last year. He urged countries to redirect these funds towards renewable energy projects, particularly in developing nations, in order to ensure a just and inclusive transition. He emphasised that 'the solution is clear, a global phaseout of fossil fuels, in line with a 1.5 degree Celsius limit.'

Backing this vision with numbers, the Secretary-General cited that investments in clean energy have reached USD 2 trillion in 2024, more than double that of fossil fuels. However, he stressed that this momentum must be scaled up, not slowed down. 'Every dollar spent on fossil fuels is a dollar taken from the world’s response to climate change', he said.

He also called on the G20 countries to lead the way by setting clear timelines to phase out coal and to significantly scale up investments in solar, wind, and storage technologies. 'We cannot accept the excuse of “it’s too late” or “it’s too expensive”,' Guterres said. 'The truth is, delay is more costly than action.'

The address comes at a time when the world faces intensifying climate impacts, from record heatwaves to devastating floods, while debates continue globally over how to balance energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility.

Guterres ended his speech with a message of urgency and hope, urging world leaders to act boldly and decisively. 'The future of our planet depends on the choices we make now,' he said.