Brics turns focus to alternative energy sources | Witness
Brics turns focus to alternative energy sources | Witness The Citizen
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The Brics Youth Summit: Unpacking Challenges and Opportunities of Alternative Energy Sources
The second day of this year’s Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Youth Summit panel discussion focused on the key challenges and opportunities associated with alternative energy sources. The summit, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), took place at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban, under the theme “Brics and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.”
President’s Energy Plan
During the panel discussion on Wednesday, Rudi Dicks, the deputy director general in the private office of the president, shared details of the president’s energy plan. He emphasized the importance of a just energy transition that takes into account the communities that rely on coal mines. Dicks also highlighted the opportunities for greener ways and technologies of creating energy, which will lead to a decrease in our dependence on coal.
“Two years ago we introduced private energy generators which have relieved the Eskom power stations,” he said. Dicks further explained that these alternative energy sources have not only helped alleviate pressure on Eskom, but have also created job opportunities in the manufacturing and installation of solar panels.
Transition in the Mining Sector
Noluthando Zulu from Dwala Mines, representing the mining sector, acknowledged that energy transition is not a new concept, as different energy sources have been implemented throughout the years. She emphasized the importance of this transition in improving the health and dignity of individuals.
“From the century of coal, oil was also discovered as an efficient method of generating energy. So transitions do happen. However, the difference is that these changes took centuries. This transition, on the other hand, is driven by people because many communities still don’t have electricity, making a transition necessary,” Zulu explained.
Zulu also highlighted that while the transition may have some negative impact on the mining sector, there will be more opportunities in sectors other than coal mining.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article discusses the challenges and opportunities related to alternative energy sources, which are directly connected to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy. It also mentions the creation of jobs in the private energy sector, which is relevant to SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. Additionally, the article highlights the need for transitioning to greener ways of creating energy, which aligns with SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2), achieving full and productive employment and decent work (SDG 8.5), and upgrading infrastructure to make it sustainable (SDG 9.4).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Number of jobs created in the alternative energy sector
- Investment in clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
The article mentions the increase in private energy generators, which can be used as an indicator to measure the percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix. It also states that the alternative energy sector has created jobs, indicating progress towards achieving full and productive employment. Additionally, the need for greener ways of creating energy implies the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all (8.5) | Number of jobs created in the alternative energy sector |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable (9.4) | Investment in clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: citizen.co.za
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