International Day of Clean Energy | United Nations

Clean energy: for all…

Introduction

Energy lies at the core of a double challenge: leaving no one behind and protecting the Planet. And clean energy is crucial to its solution.

The Importance of Clean Energy

In a world grappling with climate change, clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions, and can also benefit communities lacking access to reliable power sources. Still today, 675 million people live in the dark – 4 in 5 are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The connection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial in addressing issues faced by vulnerable communities worldwide.

For populations without clean energy access, the lack of reliable power hinders education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and many of these developing regions still rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels for their daily life, perpetuating poverty. If current trends continue, by 2030 one in four people will still use unsafe, unhealthy and inefficient cooking systems, such as burning wood or dung.

Sustainable Development Goal 7

Although this situation has been improving, the world is not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030. The General Assembly will hold a Global Stocktaking on SDG7 in April 2024 to assess progress and recommend solutions.

… and for our planet

The Fight Against Climate Change

But adopting clean energy is integral to the fight against climate change, as well.

A large chunk of the greenhouse gases that blanket the Earth and trap the Sun’s heat are generated through energy production, by burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas) to generate electricity and heat.

The science is clear: to limit climate change, we need to end our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in alternative sources of energy that are clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable. Renewable energy sources – which are available in abundance all around us, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and heat from the Earth – are replenished by nature and emit little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.

International Day of Clean Energy

The International Day of Clean Energy on January 26 is a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
   • Target 7.b: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, particularly least developed countries, small island developing States, and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support.
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.
   • Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. It discusses the importance of clean energy in reducing emissions, benefiting communities without access to reliable power sources, and addressing socio-economic development and environmental sustainability issues faced by vulnerable communities worldwide.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under SDG 7 that can be identified are:
– Target 7.1: Ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
– Target 7.2: Increasing substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– Target 7.3: Doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
– Target 7.a: Enhancing international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
– Target 7.b: Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.
– Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology.
– Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
– Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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: un.org

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