This past weekend, the United Nations celebrated the International Day of Clean Energy at its headquarters in New York City. The event emphasized the importance of a transition to clean energy.
Leaders, innovators, and passionate advocates shared insights and fostered collaboration, driving significant progress in the exciting shift toward renewable energy.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “Cheap, plentiful energy provided by renewables is an extraordinary economic opportunity. One that will benefit people in every country and make the end of the fossil fuel age inevitable.”
At COP28, countries committed to accelerating the energy transition by tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling the average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
An equitable clean energy transition is expected to create millions of jobs and reduce energy poverty for over 700 million people without access to electricity.
Did you know that over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from burning fossil fuels for energy? Additionally, the use of harmful fuels for cooking causes 3.2 million premature deaths each year.
According to the UN, for every dollar invested in renewable energy, we can generate three times as many jobs as in the fossil fuel sector.
The International Day of Clean Energy highlights the urgent need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This transition is crucial for combating climate change, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring fair and equitable energy access, particularly in underserved communities.
The day also recognized the founding of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which is dedicated to advancing the renewable energy agenda.
Key discussions during the event showcased the many benefits of clean energy, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, abundant economic opportunities, job creation, and improved public health. Influential stakeholders—from the United Nations to regional organizations—underscored the necessity of affordable and accessible clean energy solutions for all.
Projections indicate that renewable energy sources will soon become the largest electricity provider globally, with milestones like Germany achieving 100 gigawatts of installed photovoltaic capacity.
The discussions highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly with initiatives in Asia, Africa, and Europe that encourage the adoption of renewable energy.
“This year, renewables are projected to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation.
This International Day of Clean Energy, let’s commit to an era of clean energy with speed, justice & collaboration.”
– @antonioguterres https://t.co/j8M958VZkR pic.twitter.com/T4sPhscGoO
— UN-Habitat (@UNHABITAT) January 26, 2025
The science is clear: to tackle the climate emergency and protect our common future, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in clean, affordable energy for all.
More on Sunday’s #WorldCleanEnergyDay.https://t.co/bxKUFSzye4 pic.twitter.com/nZJM5fXdJ6
— United Nations (@UN) January 26, 2025
Cheap, plentiful energy provided by renewables is an extraordinary economic opportunity.
One that will benefit people in every country.
And one that will make the end of the fossil fuel age inevitable.”
– @antonioguterres https://t.co/bxKUFSzye4#WorldCleanEnergyDay pic.twitter.com/OpBjt2DUJy
— United Nations (@UN) January 26, 2025
Clean energy is good business:
It drives more jobs, cleaner air & better health.
The #GlobalGoals seek to ensure that affordable, clean energy is available for all by 2030. https://t.co/N2lioFUJpF#WorldCleanEnergyDay pic.twitter.com/5rWg7FY5vt
— United Nations (@UN) January 26, 2025
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