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people will still lack access to electricity, and nearly 2 billion people will continue to rely on polluting fuels and outdated technologies for cooking by 2030.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/
SDG 7 IN NUMBERS
- 675 million people still live in the dark, 4 in 5 of them are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- If current trends continue, 1 in 4 people will still use unsafe and inefficient cooking systems by 2030.
- The global population with access to electricity has increased from 87% in 2015 to 91% in 2021.
- In 2021, 71% of the global population had access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, up from 64% in 2015.
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.
IN FOCUS
8-12 | Internet Governance Forum
The 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum will be hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s overarching theme is: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People.
The Internet Governance Forum serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups to discuss public policy issues relating to the Internet. The 18th annual meeting programme will develop around the following eight sub-themes:
- AI & Emerging Technologies
- Avoiding Internet Fragmentation
- Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety
- Data Governance & Trust
- Digital Divides & Inclusion
- Global Digital Governance & Cooperation
- Human Rights & Freedoms
- Sustainability & Environment
Programming and relevant communication resources can be accessed on the IGF Tokyo 2023 website as well as the IGF Secretariat website.
World Food Forum (16-20)
Three events will interlink at the World Food Forum (WFF), the WFF Global Youth Forum, the FAO Science and Innovation Forum, and the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. Together, these three forums unite to advance practical solutions, igniting the much-needed transformation of our global agrifood systems in the face of today’s challenges and crises. Read more here.
Women, peace and security
In October, the United Nations will mark 23 years since the adoption of the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution was a groundbreaking step towards recognizing the vital role of women in achieving peace, emphasizing their full and equal participation. To commemorate the anniversary, the Council will hold an open debate on the topic on 25 October.
Under the banner, “Peace Begins with Her,” UN Peacekeeping (DPO), UN Women, UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and the Elsie Initiative Fund will host an Inside Out event on the same day. Pioneered by French street artist JR, the art event will be an opportunity for the public to have their portraits taken in front of the UN Secretariat Building in New York and take part in an exhibit to show their solidarity for lasting peace and gender equality.
In collaboration with UN Video, DPO will also launch a six-part video series featuring the life and work of a female peacekeeper from Ghana, Lt. Esinam Baah, who led a platoon at the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Watch the preview here.
Source: UN.ORG
