#SDG7 AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all

Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day. Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy. Implementing these new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to counter climate change, one of the biggest threats to our own survival.

Targets

Everyone can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals. Use these targets to create action to ensure universal access to sustainable energy.

7.1 UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO MODERN ENERGY

By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.

7.2 INCREASE GLOBAL PERCENTAGE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

7.3 DOUBLE THE IMPROVEMENT IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

7.4 PROMOTE ACCESS TO RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND INVESTMENTS IN CLEAN ENERGY

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.

7.5 EXPAND AND UPGRADE ENERGY SERVICES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programs of support.

Thoughts

Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people with electricity increased from 78 to 87 percent, and the numbers without electricity dipped to just below one billion. Yet as the population continues to grow, so will the demand for cheap energy, and an economy reliant on fossil fuels is creating drastic changes to our climate. Investing in solar, wind and thermal power, improving energy productivity, and ensuring energy for all is vital if we are to achieve SDG 7 by 2030. Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology to provide clean and more efficient energy in all countries will encourage growth and help the environment. Existing equipment and appliances can have their electricity usage monitored to determine efficiency levels which could lead to replacement by more energy efficient equivalents. Smart thermostats and motion detectors can reduce wasteful heating and cooling by learning patterns, detecting the presence of people, and adjusting to save energy. Remote meetings can be delivered through connected streams of digital audio, video, and text via apps to bring employees, customers, and partners together without burning fuel to travel or using electricity to light, cool, or heat and office.