UN Secretary-General Seizes The Just Transition Moment: CAN Reaction

22 July

In response to the ‘Moment of Opportunity’ speech today by the UN Secretary General, and the associated energy report, Climate Action Network welcomes the meaningful mention of the need for a Just Transition. The renewable energy transformation is here and it is unstoppable, as Mr. Guterres stated today, but without effort and political will, this power shift risks being unjust, exploitative and unsustainable.

Jacobo Ocharan, Head of Political Strategies, Climate Action Network International, said: “The Secretary-General was on the money when he said that the energy transformation must deliver equity, dignity and opportunity for all - this is the beating heart of what a just transition means. The just transition is about embracing the future and not being stuck in the polluting and unfair past, which is where the fossil fuel industry wants us trapped. COP30 can and must deliver on just transition with a path grounded in human rights, justice and equity. The brief mention of nuclear needing to be in the energy mix was a shame, but the focus overall was on the just transition to renewable energy.

The call for international cooperation to support low-income countries that are highly dependent on fossil fuels is timely and welcome, especially as the world is in the throes of massive division and nationalism. Likewise, the calls to reform the global financial architecture and debt for developing countries are positive, while the creeping mentions of investment opportunities and private finance are a concern.”

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