COP30: UN boss, Guterres acknowledge Renewable Energy Growth, but says efforts not enough to close climate gab

By Samuel Ogunsona

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the rapid growth of renewable energy.

He made this assertion at the Energy Transition Roundtable at the pre-COP30 Climate Summit on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Belem.

“The renewables revolution is here,” Guterres said, highlighting the progress made in the sector. “Last year, ninety per cent of new power capacity came from renewables; Global investment in clean energy reached two trillion US dollars – eight hundred billion more than fossil fuels.”

Despite this progress, Guterres warned that “even if new national commitments are fully implemented, the world is still heading for clearly more than 2 degrees of warming.”

To avoid the devastating impacts of climate change, Guterres stressed the need for immediate action. “We must go much faster – and ensure all nations share the benefits,” he said

According to Guterres, the world needs to take concrete steps, including providing clarity and coherence in laws and policies.

“Align laws, policies and incentives with a just energy transition; and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies that distort markets and lock us into the past,” he emphasized.

Guterres also highlighted the importance of putting people and equity at the center of the transition. “Support workers and communities whose livelihoods still depend on coal, oil and gas; Provide training, protection and new opportunities – especially for young people and women,” he said.

He called for significant investments in grids, storage, and efficiency to keep pace with the surging growth of renewables. “Renewables are surging, infrastructure must catch up – fast,” he added.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the need to unlock finance at scale for developing countries..

“Today, Africa receives 2 per cent of global [clean] energy investment. We need international cooperation to tear down barriers, cut the cost of capital, and crowd in private investment,” he said. Guterres concluded by emphasizing the need for speed and solidarity in the transition to a net-zero world

“Let us move with speed and solidarity. Make fairness the engine of acceleration – and build economies that are clean, inclusive and resilient,” he said.