UN Chief Highlights Urgent Need for Transition to Renewable Energy

In a recent statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the critical role of fossil fuels in the climate crisis and called for an urgent transition to renewable energy. He emphasized that those least responsible for climate change are suffering the most and urged nations to fulfill their obligations under international law to protect the environment. The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution supporting the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on state responsibilities regarding climate change, marking a significant step towards climate justice and sustainability. Guterres stressed the importance of keeping global temperature rise within 1.5°C and building a fairer, more resilient future for all.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 14:03 IST

UN Secretary-General Calls for Action Against Climate Crisis

File image of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres(Photo: @MakalukhabarEn/X)

United Nations, May 21: According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, fossil fuels are the main contributors to the ongoing climate crisis.

In a statement made on Wednesday (local time) regarding the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) resolution on the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion about state obligations concerning climate change, Guterres emphasized, "The journey towards climate justice necessitates a swift, fair, and equitable shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources."

Expressing his support for the resolution's adoption, the UN leader described it as "a significant endorsement of international law, climate justice, scientific understanding, and the duty of nations to safeguard their populations from the worsening climate crisis."

He pointed out that those who contribute the least to climate change are suffering the most, stating, "This injustice must be addressed."

Guterres outlined a clear objective: to maintain the global temperature rise to within 1.5°C and to create a safer, more equitable, and resilient future for everyone, highlighting that renewable energy is both the most affordable and secure energy option available.

Earlier that day, the UNGA passed a draft resolution that acknowledged the ICJ's advisory opinion on state responsibilities regarding climate change, with a recorded vote showing 141 in favor, eight against, and 28 abstentions, as reported by a news agency.

This resolution recognizes the ICJ's advisory opinion from July 2025 regarding state obligations on climate change, underscores the significance of the court's opinion as a vital clarification of current international law, and urges all nations to fulfill their legal responsibilities to protect the climate system and other environmental aspects from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, as identified by the court.