United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the deepening climate crisis in developing countries, urging world leaders to take bold and urgent action.
Speaking after a high-level meeting co-hosted with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Mr. Guterres urged world leaders to deliver a “credible roadmap” at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035.
“We don’t have a moment to lose,” he said. “No region is being spared from the ravages of accelerating climate catastrophes.”
Despite being home to 60 percent of the world’s solar resources, Africa accounts for just 1.5 percent of installed solar capacity and receives a mere 2 percent of global renewable energy investment, said Mr. Guterres. He highlighted the disparity to underscore the continent’s vulnerability and the urgent need for equitable climate finance.
He described renewable energy as “the economic opportunity of the century,” noting that science, economics, and market trends now favor renewables.
“Prices for renewables have plummeted, and the sector is booming—creating jobs and boosting competitiveness and growth worldwide.”
The UN chief stated that “The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables. They offer the surest route to energy sovereignty and security and ending dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuel imports.”
Noting possible resistance from fossil fuel interests, Guterres said, “No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution.”
The meeting drew participation from 17 world leaders, including those from Africa, China, and the European Union.
African leaders included President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola (current Chair of the African Union), President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
Representatives of other regional bodies such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) were also represented.
Mr. Guterres stressed the importance of seizing the moment at the upcoming COP30 climate conference. In addition to the $1.3 trillion target, he urged developed countries to fulfill their promise of doubling adaptation finance to at least $40 billion annually by this year.
He also emphasized the need to significantly boost contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund through innovative financing solutions.
“Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming... Those least responsible for climate change are suffering from its worst effects.”
His call comes amid a backdrop of multiple global and regional crises. “Yes, our world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises,” he acknowledged. “But we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course.”
This latest plea builds on his consistent advocacy for climate justice for vulnerable nations.
At the inaugural Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi in September 2023, African leaders highlighted how climate change is driving humanitarian emergencies and hampering progress in education, health, peace, and security.
In the Nairobi Declaration, they stated: “We call for collective global action to mobilize the necessary capital for both development and climate action, echoing the statement of the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.”
Guterres echoed this message and added: “We cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.”
