UN Report Calls for Urgent Shift to Clean Energy in “Moment of Opportunity

The United Nations has released a major new report urging immediate global action to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, describing the current moment as a historic opportunity to reshape the world’s energy systems for the better.

Titled “Seizing the Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the New Energy Era of Renewables, Efficiency, and Electrification,” the report was prepared by the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Team, with the support of UN specialized agencies, funds, programs, and leading international institutions. It offers a comprehensive overview of the global energy landscape and makes the case for why a rapid shift toward renewables, electrification, and energy efficiency is not only necessary, but economically and socially beneficial.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the report in a special address delivered at 9:00 a.m. ET, highlighting what he called a “hopeful story” emerging from the global climate crisis — the rise of a new energy era. He described the decline of fossil fuels as both inevitable and essential, and emphasized the vast economic and humanitarian benefits of embracing clean energy systems. “The future is clear,” Guterres said. “The only question is whether we move fast enough to meet it.”

The report outlines the global imperative to scale up renewable energy infrastructure, electrify key sectors such as transportation and heating, and improve energy efficiency across the board. It stresses the need for bold leadership and international cooperation to ensure that the transition is inclusive and equitable, particularly for developing countries most vulnerable to climate change and energy poverty.

In his address, the Secretary-General called on governments, industry leaders, and financial institutions to act swiftly and decisively. He warned that the window for meaningful action is closing fast, but insisted that the tools and technologies needed to drive transformation are already within reach.

“This is not just a climate emergency — it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our economies, improve lives, and build a future powered by clean and affordable energy,” Guterres said.

The report is expected to play a central role in upcoming international climate discussions and will serve as a foundation for mobilizing greater investment and political will ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil in 2026.