Ban Ki-moon writes that the sustainable energy agenda is an opportunity to provide everyone on earth with heat and lights, while reducing global temperatures.
He suggests that developing countries can “leapfrog” conventional energy options in favor of cleaner solutions.
The obstacles to this goal are “not so much technical as human,” he says.
11 January 2012: In an opinion-editorial in the New York Times/International Herald Tribune, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon conveys his main messages for the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) and outlines the mission of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative.
Ban writes that the sustainable energy agenda is an opportunity to provide everyone on earth with heat and lights, while reducing global temperatures. He suggests that developing countries can “leapfrog” conventional energy options in favor of cleaner solutions. The obstacles to this goal are “not so much technical as human,” he says, and can be overcome by raising it to the top of the global agenda.
Ban highlights two urgent energy challenges: energy poverty, including the lack of access to electricity for one fifth of the global population and the widespread use of harmful fuel sources; and climate change, noting the impact of burning fossil fuels on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. His SE4ALL initiative aims bring together the broad swath of actors who can contribute to its goals, and galvanize immediate action for results.
Finally, Ban calls on governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to make commitments on renewable energy in the lead-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). He outlines what each of these groups can do to contribute to concrete action, such as national energy plans, financial support and investment, public-private partnerships, and research. He underscores that investing in clean energies is a smart business approach.
The World Future Energy Summit will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 16-19 January 2012. The UN General Assembly has declared 2012 the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. [Op-ed by Ban Ki-moon]