THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR THE PETERSBERG CLIMATE DIALOGUE

Chancellor Merz, Excellencies,

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue has long helped bridge divides, build trust, and drive ambition.

That matters more than ever.

The conflict in the Middle East has triggered the most severe energy crisis in a generation.

And it makes one fact crystal clear: fossil fuels are not just wrecking our planet – they are holding economies hostage. 

There is another way.

Last year, clean energy investment surged to 2.2 trillion dollars worldwide – double fossil fuel investment.

Homegrown renewables are the cheapest, fastest and most reliable source of new power.

They deliver what fossil fuels never can: real and lasting energy security.

But that requires action on three fronts.

First, we must respond to the energy crisis without deepening the climate crisis.

The world has just endured the hottest 11 years on record – and every major climate indicator is burning red. 

Short-term measures must not lock in long-term fossil fuel dependence and expansion.

Transition roadmaps can help countries manage urgent choices while advancing a just transition to a clean and secure energy future.

Second, we must build the infrastructure that can deliver this transition.

That means expanding grids, storage, and modern power systems;

To carry clean power to every home.

Third, it is time to mobilize finance at scale.

In many developing countries, clean energy finance costs are two to three times higher than in advanced economies.

Without support, the transition will be slower, less fair, and less secure.

Yet many developed countries are backing away from climate and development finance commitments.

We need climate justice. 

That means keeping climate finance promises, with no backsliding.

Replenishing multilateral climate funds.

Mobilizing 1.3 trillion US dollars a year by 2035 for developing countries.

And significantly scaling up adaptation finance.

This is a matter of survival.

The communities on the frontlines did least to create this crisis – yet they are paying the highest price.

Adaptation saves lives, protects livelihoods, and strengthens economies.

And every dollar invested today saves many times more in avoided losses tomorrow.

Excellencies,

We can repeat the failures of the past – or we can unleash the renewables revolution.

Let’s make the right choice.

For climate stability.

For energy security.

For a liveable future.

Thank you.

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Link to Video.

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