Ahead of COP30, Guterres Urges Bold Climate Action and Investment

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.