Ban calls for global revolution to ensure clean energy

 New York, 18 Jan – (ANA) - With 1.6 billion people in developing countries still lacking access to electricity, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for a global revolution to address the world’s energy challenges.

 “Our challenge is transformation. We need a global clean energy revolution – a revolution that makes energy available and affordable for all,” Mr. Ban said in his address to the Fourth World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

 “This is essential for minimizing climate risks, for reducing poverty and improving global health, for empowering women and meeting the Millennium Development Goals [eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline], for global economic growth, peace and security, and the health of the planet,” he added.

 The Secretary-General stressed that the decisions taken now will have

far-reaching consequences. The prevailing fossil fuel-based economy is contributing to climate change – and global energy needs are growing rapidly.

 In 20 years, he noted, energy consumption will rise by 40 per cent, mostly in developing countries, where 1.6 billion people still lack access to electricity, and where 3 billion people rely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking, heating, and other basic household needs. (ANA)

FA/ANA/18 January 2011----------