Goal of the Month Editorial | October 2023

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY – GOAL 7

 “Together, we must accelerate a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, particularly coal, towards clean renewable energy, while ensuring that no one is left behind.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres, 7 September 2023 

WHERE WE ARE 

Energy is at the heart of the climate challenge – and key to the solution. 

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, are by far the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions.   

The global population’s access to electricity increased from 87 percent to 91 percent in the past six years – however, achieving universal access to affordable electricity by 2030 demands a concerted effort in investing in clean energy sources like solar, wind, and thermal technologies. 

And although the world is making strides towards sustainable energy, we must pick up the pace. At the current rate of progress, approximately 660 million people will still lack access to electricity, and nearly 2 billion people will continue to rely on polluting fuels and outdated technologies for cooking by 2030. 

Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology to deliver clean energy to all developing nations is not only a crucial goal but also a catalyst for economic growth while safeguarding the environment. Let’s continue to work together to make clean energy accessible to all and combat climate change. 

Read more about Goal 7: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/ 

ENERGY COMPACT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 

The second annual Energy Compact Progress report was launched ahead of the SDG Summit, highlighting an uptick in voluntary commitments to boost renewables and access to clean energy by 2030. The report outlines new multi-billion-dollar commitments from governments, which include planned spending by countries for both domestic and international action to increase energy access, efficiency and renewables, as well as private sector investment slated in these areas. The full report can be accessed here, along with details on the Energy Compact. 

Clean energy trends to power the world 

Energy is at the heart of both the causes and the solutions to the climate crisis. During the SDG Media Zone, experts from the Global Wind Energy Council and the Global Renewables Alliance hosted a session on the importance and rapid expansion of clean energy technologies.  

Moderated by Ars Technica Magazine, the session highlighted clean energy advances today, the challenges in this transition, and the importance of treating renewable energy technology as a global public good. See the full session here. 

FIVE WAYS TO JUMP-START THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION NOW

Four key climate change indicators – greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification – set new records in 2021. This is yet another clear sign that human activities are causing planetary-scale changes on land, in the ocean, and in the atmosphere, with dramatic and long-lasting ramifications.

The key to tackling this crisis is to end our reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels – the main cause of climate change. Read more about the five critical actions we need to prioritize to transform energy systems and speed up the shift to renewable energy here.