SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Facts:*
13% of the global population still lacks access to modern electricity.
More than 40% of the world's population – 3 billion – rely on polluting and unhealthy fuels for cooking (like wood, coal, charcoal or animal waste). Indoor air pollution from using combustible fuels for household energy caused 4.3 million deaths in 2012.
Energy is the dominant contribution to climate change, accounting for about 60% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
As of 2015, more than 20% of power was generated through renewable sources.
A large part of our energy comes from non-renewable sources – sources that will eventually run out, or cannot be replenished in our lifetimes (or longer). Most of these sources are fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas), but non-renewable sources also include nuclear (a) and biomass (b) energy. (a) While nuclear energy itself is sometimes described as renewable, the material used in the power plants is not – and the process of generating energy using nuclear power doesn’t come without risks. (b) Biomass energy is sometimes listed as renewable – it is not renewable when it is used faster than it can regenerate, and (similar to nuclear energy) it can be dangerous.
Take a break from electricity. This can be a stand-alone action or tied in to any fasting tradition, and it can be as big or small as you wish – anything is possible, from swapping one electric household item for a non-electric version, to giving yourself an evening per week without using electricity. Stay tuned for inspiration on our social media channels! Share pictures and stories on social media and with the people around you, and tell us how you got on. For sharing, make sure to use #EasetheEnergy #SDG7 #CleanEnergy
Run the Earth Walk workshop to get to know and share with others the story of Earth and fossil fuels. Get inspired by Carmine Rodi's scenario
Which countries are leading the charge on renewable energy? Any guess?! Here is some source, but it's a little outdated. Do your own research and get inspired.
More inspiration:
To read
SGFE (Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise) – Cambodian factory making charcoal out of... coconuts! This social business not only save trees, they also better the lives of children and women who still cook on charcoal stoves and support the livelihood of their workers who come from disadvantaged background.
Compadre – a student from Peru for his master thesis invented a solar machine for roasting coffee. After finishing studies together with friends he opened a social business to support small coffee farmers from remote areas of his country, who don't have access to electricity.
To watch
Short introduction to SDG7 main targets.*
Series of 1-3 minute movies which explore different renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, for example: Fossil Fuels Solar Wind Power Hydro Power Geothermal*
Using her native Costa Rica as an example of positive action on environmental protection and renewables, Monica Araya with her Ted Talk outlines a bold vision for a world committed to clean energy in all sectors.*
For more info about other SDGs, have a look here.
* These information and calls to action come from the fantastic Development Perspectives material about SDGs. Have a look here to discover more.
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