The escalating turmoil in the Middle East highlights the risks of the world’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said.
The UN Secretary-General warned that global energy supply concentrated in a few regions exposes the world economy to shocks when conflict erupts.
“The turmoil we are witnessing in the Middle East makes it evident that we are facing a global energy system largely tied to fossil fuels, where supply is concentrated in a few regions and every conflict risks sending shockwaves through the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people.” he said in a statement posted on LinkedIn.
Guterres said reliance on fossil fuels has historically made countries vulnerable to instability in global energy markets.
“For decades, dependence on fossil fuels meant dependence on volatility. But in past oil shocks, countries had little choice but to absorb the pain.”
He said the growing availability of renewable energy provides a new pathway for countries seeking energy security.
“Now they have an exit ramp.”
Guterres said renewable energy is becoming more affordable and widely available.
“Homegrown renewable energy has never been cheaper, more accessible, or more scalable. The resources of the clean energy era cannot be blockaded or weaponized. There are no price spikes for sunlight and no embargoes on the wind.”
He urged governments to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels.
“The fastest path to energy security, economic security, and national security is clear: speed up a just transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy,” said Guterres.
