26 January: International Day of Clean Energy
Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day
Clean energy is essential for addressing two key challenges: ensuring no one is left behind and protecting the planet. In the face of climate change, clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions and benefiting communities without reliable power sources. Currently, 675 million people live without access to electricity, with 4 in 5 residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. The link between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability is crucial for vulnerable communities globally. Lack of clean energy hampers education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, with many relying on polluting fossil fuels, perpetuating poverty. If current trends persist, one in four people will still use unsafe cooking systems by 2030. Despite progress, the world is off-track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) by 2030. A Global Stocktaking on SDG7 in April 2024 will assess progress and recommend solutions.
Adopting clean energy is also integral to combating climate change. A significant portion of greenhouse gases comes from burning fossil fuels for energy production. To limit climate change, there’s a need to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources, provided by the sun, wind, water, waste, and Earth’s heat, emit minimal greenhouse gases. Simultaneously, improving energy efficiency in sectors like transport, buildings, lighting, and appliances is crucial. Using less energy for the same output saves money, reduces carbon pollution, and contributes to universal access to sustainable energy for all.
