Clean energy lies at the heart of sustainable development, offering solutions to the twin challenges of leaving no one behind and safeguarding the planet. It is a cornerstone of global efforts to address climate change, promote social justice, and ensure economic equality.
Despite significant progress, access to clean energy remains uneven, with 685 million people worldwide still living without electricity in 2022—an increase of 10 million from 2021. This highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7): affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all by 2030.
The transition to clean energy is not merely an environmental imperative; it is also a social and economic necessity. Lack of access to clean energy perpetuates poverty, hinders education and healthcare, and restricts economic opportunities, particularly in vulnerable regions. Meanwhile, fossil fuel reliance continues to exacerbate climate change, with the energy sector contributing approximately 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The past: Milestones in energy evolution
Historically, energy systems have been dominated by fossil fuels, driving industrialisation and economic growth at the cost of environmental degradation. By the early 2000s, global efforts to combat climate change began focusing on renewable energy as a sustainable alternative. Notable milestones include the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015, which committed nations to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Renewables have grown significantly, accounting for nearly 30% of global electricity generation in 2022, compared to just 20% in 2011. However, progress has been uneven. In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 80% of the population still lacks access to electricity, reflecting deep disparities in energy infrastructure development.
The present: Bridging gaps and accelerating action
In 2022, renewable energy installations reached a record high, with solar and wind power leading the charge. However, the global energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions has underscored the fragility of energy systems, with many countries reverting to coal to meet short-term energy demands. This setback highlights the need for resilient and diversified clean energy solutions.
Efforts to address energy poverty are gaining traction. Initiatives such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) are driving investments in off-grid and decentralised renewable systems, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of clean cooking technologies remains critical, as 1.8 billion people are projected to rely on unsafe and inefficient cooking methods by 2030 without significant interventions.
The future: A pathway to sustainability
Looking ahead, achieving SDG7 by 2030 requires an estimated $1.3 trillion in annual investments, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Innovative technologies such as green hydrogen, advanced energy storage, and carbon capture offer promising solutions to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors.
Energy efficiency also holds immense potential. Retrofitting buildings, electrifying transport, and adopting energy-saving technologies could reduce global energy demand by up to 40% by 2050, significantly cutting emissions. Moreover, fostering global collaboration is essential. Partnerships like the Green Climate Fund and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative demonstrate the power of collective action in addressing energy challenges.
Real-world initiatives: Transforming lives
The Barefoot College in India exemplifies the transformative potential of clean energy. By training women in rural areas to become solar engineers, the organisation has electrified over 1,300 villages, empowering communities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, the Smurfit Kappa Foundation is investing in solar-powered education centres in developing regions, bridging educational gaps while promoting sustainability.
In Europe, the European Green Deal aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with ambitious targets for renewable energy integration and energy efficiency. These efforts align with the UN's emphasis on education, research, and innovation as critical components of the energy transition.
Addressing energy challenges requires a unified approach. The Global Society plays a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation, sharing technological advancements, and ensuring equitable access to resources. Collaborative platforms like IRENA and the UN High-Level Political Forum provide vital frameworks for integrating energy policies with broader sustainability goals.
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clean energy in shaping a sustainable future. From addressing climate change to promoting social justice and economic equality, the transition to renewable energy is a global imperative. As the world strives to achieve SDG7, continued investments in clean technologies, energy efficiency, and global collaboration will be essential to ensuring a just and inclusive energy transition.
For more information about global efforts and innovations in clean energy, explore resources provided by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Green Climate Fund.
More information: https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day
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