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Seems familiar? Yep, it is safe to say that not just people residing in Klang Valley, but all Malaysians can relate to this meme. We hardly realise how much our daily tasks depend on electrical power until the plug is pulled. Then, we sit and wait in the darkness with our battery-powered fans, unable to do anything else. Our dependence on energy goes beyond electricity and encompasses all energy necessary in our lives.
Energy is a fundamental need that we frequently take for granted, being used for everything from heating and cooling our houses to cooking our food and running our vehicles. However, access to dependable and sustainable energy sources continues to be a major obstacle for millions of people around the globe. Hence, Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Affordable and Clean Energy aims to create a society in which no one is left in the dark, but instead, everyone has access to energy sources that are dependable, sustainable, and efficient.
SDG 7 is made up of three components—accessibility energy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Hence, there are three targets under SDG 7 specific to each component. Let us dive deeper into each one!
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services
This target addresses two kinds of energy accessibility—access to electricity and access to clean fuel and technology for cooking.
1. Access to electricity
Electricity accessibility is defined as having a reliable source of electricity that can provide power for daily operations such as charging a phone, providing basic lighting, and running a radio for around 4 hours a day. If you can hardly pull through a power outage, could you imagine having to live entirely without electricity? Unfortunately, this is the case for 733 million people, according to the 2022 ‘Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report’.
2. Access to clean fuel and technology for cooking
Natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, biogas, and enhanced biomass cookstoves are examples of contemporary fuels and technology. These fuels are essential because they outperform more traditional fuels like wood and charcoal in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, and pollution. Additionally, these modern fuels do not have particulate matter which is harmful to the environment and poses major risks to human health. WHO reported in 2022 that one-third of the global population remains without access to clean cooking. Therefore, much progress is needed to expand access to clean cooking fuel and technology.
7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
To determine the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, the amount of renewable energy used is compared to the total quantity of final energy consumption. Forms of renewable energy include solar, wind, geothermal, bioenergy and hydropower—currently the largest renewable energy source. However, nuclear energy is excluded as a renewable energy source. In contrast, final energy consumption involves electricity, transportation, and cooking.
Good news— The growth of renewable energy has outpaced that of human energy consumption! This has increased the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, meaning we are on track to achieve this SDG target. Despite this, fossil fuels continue to dominate the world's energy system and account for 80% of all energy consumption. Hence, the usage of renewable energy sources must be increased on a global scale.
7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
In this target, energy efficiency relates to the role of energy in the economy. The definition of energy efficiency is the usage of less energy to complete a task, which is determined by energy intensity (the amount of energy we expend for each unit of wealth in GDP created). Energy intensity drops as energy efficiency improves, so we are more efficient as we accomplish more worthwhile goals for the economy and society. We can decrease energy intensity by implementing mandatory policies such as minimum energy performance standards, fuel economy standards and industry targets.
Currently, energy efficiency is improving with the IEA reporting in 2022 that the global economy used energy 2% more efficiently than in the previous year. Nevertheless, much more is needed to be done to reach the targeted annual average improvement rate of 3.2% by 2030.
In sum, energy plays a huge role in our daily lives. Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) is focused on providing electricity to everyone, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency. Although there have been many advancements, efforts still need to be made as many people still rely on unsustainable and harmful forms of energy. So, let us contribute in whatever way we can work towards a promising, environmentally friendly future where everyone has access to the energy they require! 💚🌱
Written by,
Amanda
The Fonz.
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