For the second time this week at a major international climate event, he hammered home his five-point plan for a “renewable energy revolution”.
“The time for hedging bets has ended. The world has gambled on fossil fuels and lost”, declared Mr. Guterres.— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 17, 2022
“For decades, many in the fossil fuel industry has invested heavily in pseudo-science and public relations – with a false narrative to minimize their responsibility for climate change and undermine ambitious climate policies.”
An infinite solution
He said stable prices and sustainable growth were attainable if renewable energy sources are prioritized. Furthermore, they help reduce carbon emissions and support energy security.
Nothing could be more clear, than the danger of fossil fuel expansion today, he added.
He likened the immensely profitable fossil fuel industry with the “scandalous tactics” of Big Tobacco, during the mid-20th century.
Clear and present danger
The meeting included countries representing 80 per cent of global GDP, population, and greenhouse gas emissions, according to the White House.
“The renewables revolution starts now”, he concluded.
He said earlier investment in renewables, would have avoid today’s predicament following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the huge increase in volatile oil and gas prices worldwide.
“Like tobacco interests, fossil fuel interests and their financial accomplices must not escape responsibility. The argument of putting climate action aside to deal with domestic problems also rings hollow.”
An off-shore wind farm.
“Even in the short-term, it doesn’t make political or economic sense. Yet we seem trapped in a world where fossil fuel producers and financiers have humanity by the throat.
Ukraine conundrum
Switching to renewable energy could prevent 4 to 7 million deaths from air pollution annually worldwide.
“The climate crisis is our number one emergency”, he said, urging governments to “end the age of fossil fuels”.
António Guterres was addressing the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in Washington DC, convened by the United States top climate envoy, John Kerry, and hosted by President Joe Biden.
For decades, the fossil fuel industry has invested in pseudo-science & public relations, with a false narrative to minimize their responsibility for climate change & undermine ambitious climate policies.
