United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has set ambitious climate priorities for 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to combat the climate crisis. In a speech to the General Assembly, Guterres warned that the world has opened a “Pandora’s box” of climate-related challenges, and he stressed the importance of decisive steps to mitigate the devastating effects of global warming. He called for enhanced renewable energy investments, stronger emissions reduction targets, and the phasing out of fossil fuels.

Key Climate Priorities for 2025

Guterres highlighted the critical role of renewable energy in addressing the climate crisis. He emphasized that the “renewables revolution” is inevitable and that global citizens will benefit from lower living costs, energy security, and improved health outcomes. While global renewable energy capacity is expected to surpass the goals set by governments, more concerted efforts are needed to accelerate this transition.

In line with the push for renewable energy, Guterres reiterated the urgent need for global emissions to peak in 2025 and decline thereafter. He called for all countries to submit updated climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), that align with the Paris Agreement‘s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. A major stocktake of these plans is expected to take place to assess progress and ensure that the world remains on track to meet the 1.5°C target.

Phasing Out Fossil Fuels and Mobilizing Climate Finance

Another major priority for Guterres is the fast, fair, and funded phase-out of fossil fuels. He criticized global governments for spending far more on subsidizing fossil fuels than on making clean energy affordable. In particular, Guterres called for removing financial barriers to the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

Furthermore, Guterres stressed the need for robust climate finance mechanisms to support developing nations in their transition to greener economies. He underscored the importance of developed countries fulfilling their climate finance commitments, including the $300 billion pledged at COP29, and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change.