The energy conversation has changed—so must COP30 – Atlantic Council

Global Energy Policy at a Crossroads: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals at COP30

Introduction: A Pivotal Moment for Global Energy and Sustainable Development

The COP30 conference in Brazil marks a critical turning point for global energy policies. The international community faces the challenge of reconciling energy demands with climate objectives, a process central to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prevailing discourse must evolve to integrate economic prosperity with environmental stewardship, directly addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Reframing the Energy and Climate Conversation

Moving Beyond ‘Net Zero’ to Credible, Sustainable Targets

The concept of “net zero” has become increasingly associated with high energy costs, diminishing its public credibility. A more pragmatic approach is required, focusing on substantial and achievable emission reductions, such as a 90% decrease, which would represent a significant accomplishment under SDG 13 without imposing prohibitive economic burdens that could undermine SDG 8. A credible pathway is essential for public and private sector buy-in.

An Expanded Framework for Energy Policy

The traditional energy trilemma—balancing security, affordability, and decarbonization—is insufficient. A modern framework must also incorporate:

• Sovereignty: Prioritizing energy resources within a nation’s jurisdiction to enhance security and stability.
• Abundance: Leveraging the most plentiful domestic resources to ensure affordability, a key tenet of SDG 7.

This expanded perspective allows for tailored national strategies, such as the United States’ focus on natural gas and Europe’s continued investment in renewable energy sources.

Core Principles for a Sustainable Energy Future

A new global approach to energy and climate should be founded on principles that advance multiple SDGs:

1. Prioritize Secure and Sovereign Energy: Reduce international dependence and enhance national energy security, contributing to stable economic conditions (SDG 8).
2. Drive Economic Growth: Formulate energy policy to lower consumer costs, boost national competitiveness, and foster sustainable economic development (SDG 8).
3. Champion Technological Innovation: Encourage industry leadership in developing new technologies that address the energy challenge, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
4. Ensure a Just and Inclusive Transition: Empower consumers and ensure the benefits of the energy transition are distributed equitably, supporting SDG 7 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Building on Global Achievements in Sustainable Energy

Celebrating Progress Towards SDG 7 and SDG 13

Significant progress has already been made, demonstrating that economic growth and decarbonization are not mutually exclusive. The United Kingdom, for instance, successfully halved its carbon emissions from 1990 levels while achieving 80% economic growth. Such achievements validate the integrated approach of the SDGs.

Global Momentum in Clean Energy Adoption

The argument for inaction based on the perceived inertia of other nations is factually incorrect. Many countries are making substantial strides:

• Nations like Brazil and Kenya generate over 80% of their electricity from clean resources.
• Global solar generation doubled in the last three years, with China’s installations rapidly outpacing those of other major economies.
• European countries with higher shares of renewable energy often exhibit lower electricity prices, reinforcing the affordability component of SDG 7.

Policy Imperatives for a Balanced and Sustainable Transition

The Role of Natural Gas and Nuclear Power

A pragmatic energy transition acknowledges the long-term role of certain resources. Natural gas will remain a key component of the energy mix, providing reliability and security. Therefore, maximizing recovery from domestic sources, such as the UK’s North Sea, is a logical policy for supporting energy sovereignty and protecting jobs (SDG 8).

Furthermore, achieving a clean and affordable energy future necessitates a renewed commitment to nuclear power. Despite project delays and cost overruns in Western nations, nuclear energy remains a vital source of low-carbon baseload power. Advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) requires learning from past failures by:

• Standardizing nuclear reactor designs to reduce costs and construction times.
• Adopting a more agile regulatory approach that incorporates international best practices, fostering partnerships under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Conclusion: COP30 as a Forum to Reset Global Thinking

The COP30 summit provides a crucial opportunity for global leaders to establish a new consensus on energy and climate. This new paradigm must demonstrate that achieving SDG 7, SDG 8, and SDG 13 simultaneously is possible. By providing clear, long-term policy direction, leaders can unlock the private investment necessary to build a secure, affordable, and sustainable global energy system for the future.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article on global energy policies and the upcoming COP30 conference addresses several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus is on the transition to sustainable energy, its economic implications, and international cooperation on climate change. The following SDGs are most relevant:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: This is the central theme of the article. It discusses the need for energy to be affordable, secure, and clean, highlighting various sources like renewables (solar, wind), gas, and nuclear power. The text emphasizes reducing electricity bills and increasing the share of clean energy resources.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article directly links energy policy to economic outcomes. It states that energy should “drive economic growth” and make countries “more competitive.” It also provides the example of the UK growing its economy by 80% while halving emissions, demonstrating the goal of decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. The mention of potential “job losses” in the North Sea also connects to the decent work aspect of this goal.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The article calls for “industry leaders to champion new technologies” and highlights the UK’s success in creating a “new global energy industry—offshore wind.” This points to the need for innovation and upgrading infrastructure to support a sustainable energy transition, including building nuclear power plants “better and faster.”
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The entire discussion is framed within the context of climate change, referencing “decarbonization,” “net zero,” and reducing “carbon emissions.” The article critiques the current approach to climate targets and calls for a new way of thinking at COP30, which directly relates to global climate action.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article is centered around the COP30 international conference, a global partnership aimed at addressing climate change. It calls for “international leaders” to “re-establish a common ground” and for public and private actors to work together, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation to achieve energy and climate goals.

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

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. The article’s emphasis on making energy affordable (“reduce electricity bills”), secure, and sovereign directly supports this target.
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article champions the growth of renewables, noting that “solar generation doubled in the past three years” and that many European countries with lower energy prices “use more renewables.”
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.4: Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. The article highlights the UK as an example of achieving this, having “reduce[d] its carbon emissions by half… while still growing the economy by 80 percent.”
3. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 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. The call to build nuclear power “better and faster” and the celebration of the offshore wind industry are direct examples of pursuing this target.
4. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article is a commentary on how national energy policies (in the US, UK, and Europe) should be crafted to address climate change, security, and affordability simultaneously.
5. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The article calls for “Public and private actors” to work together to ensure a fair transition and for leaders at COP30 to provide clarity for investors.

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

Yes, the article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2: The article provides specific data points that align with Indicator 7.2.1 (Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption). It states that countries like Brazil and Kenya get “well over 80 to 90 percent of their power from clean resources.” It also mentions the UK’s success in ending “coal-powered generation.”
• Indicator for Target 8.4: The article provides data that can be used to measure the decoupling of economic growth from emissions, which relates to Indicator 8.4.1 (Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP) and Indicator 8.4.2 (Domestic material consumption). The specific figures cited are the UK’s economy growing “by 80 percent” while emissions were reduced “by half.” The ratio of emissions to GDP is a clear implied indicator.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The article directly references a key metric for Indicator 13.2.2 (Total greenhouse gas emissions per year). It states that the UK “became the first major economy to reduce its carbon emissions by half (compared to 1990 levels).” This percentage reduction is a direct measure of progress in climate action.
• Implied Indicator for Target 7.1: While not a formal UN indicator, the article repeatedly emphasizes “electricity bills” and “energy prices” as a critical measure of policy success. The affordability of energy for consumers is presented as a key performance indicator for any energy strategy.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: atlanticcouncil.org