Goal 7 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals highlights the importance of ensuring access to affordable and clean energy for all individuals.
At its core, Goal 7 underscores the critical role of energy in driving socio-economic development, enhancing living standards, and combating climate change. Access to affordable and clean energy is essential for powering economic activities, improving healthcare services, facilitating education, and promoting overall well-being.
What does UN SDG 7 include?
To achieve this goal, the UN has outlined five targets that serve as actionable steps towards ensuring universal access to sustainable energy:
Universal Access to Modern Energy (Target 7.1): By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for all individuals.
Increase Global Percentage of Renewable Energy (Target 7.2): By 2030, substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Double the Improvement in Energy Efficiency (Target 7.3): By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency to promote conservation and reduce wastage.
Promote Access to Research, Technology, and Investments in Clean Energy (Target 7.4): By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, promote investment in energy infrastructure, and advance clean energy technologies.
Expand and Upgrade Energy Services for Developing Countries (Target 7.5): By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology to provide modern and sustainable energy services for all individuals in developing countries, particularly those in least developed countries, small island developing States, and landlocked developing countries.
As the United Nations puts it, by promoting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering international cooperation, societies can accelerate progress towards sustainable development while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
To learn more about how to improve sustainability in your business, make sure you read www.sustainabilityonline.net. For more details on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
