The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (resolution A/77/327) as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7– access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Energy lies at the core of a double challenge: leaving no one behind and protecting the Planet.
In a world grappling with climate change, clean energy plays a vital role in reducing emissions, and can also benefit communities lacking access to reliable power sources. Statistics show that over 685 million people do not have access to energy – more than 80 per cent of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. This corresponds to an electricity access rate for African countries at just over 40 percent, the lowest in the world.
For populations without clean energy access, the lack of reliable power hinders education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and many of these developing regions still rely heavily on polluting fossil fuels for their daily life, perpetuating poverty. If current trends continue, by 2030 around 1.8 billion people will still use unsafe, unhealthy and inefficient cooking systems, such as burning wood or dung.
Although this situation has generally been improving, the most recent figures show that the number of people without electricity actually increased by 10 million in 2022, as population growth outpaced progress. The world is not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.
Energy innovation and economic development- Ontario’s approach!
Recently, Canada’s most populous province (Ontario) confirmed that an affordable and reliable supply of energy has been critical for securing investment and propelling growth of Ontario’s economy for over a century. Today, Ontario’s ability to supply electricity that is among the cleanest in the world presents significant opportunities to enhance Ontario’s prosperity. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that global decarbonization will require a tripling of annual clean energy investment to around $4 trillion by 2030. Ontario’s energy industry and economy are well positioned to take advantage of this global transition and to capture the benefits it will bring for economic development and export growth. By providing abundant clean, affordable and reliable energy, Ontario can attract future-oriented investment and grow its economy while ensuring that people across Ontario have access to the energy they need.
Making a difference to promote Clean Energy for People and Planet
- Increasing public awareness and understanding of fossil fuel industry games is a way to accelerate change. It’s important to recognize that industries at different life cycle stages contribute to the economy.
- Educating, leading by example, and advocating for policy change. Encourage energy conservation, engage in community efforts, and invest in renewable energy projects.
- An essential way to promote renewable energy is to offer incentives and rewards that can motivate and attract more users and producers of renewable energy. This can include providing financial and non-financial benefits, such as grants, loans, prizes, or recognition. It can also involve creating and expanding the markets and opportunities for renewable energy products and services, such as green certificates, carbon credits, or green bonds.
- Promoting local clean energy benefits including new jobs, improved health, energy security and financial rewards- local clean energy generation provides many benefits that cities should highlight including increased equity, better energy security and local control.
- Raising awareness and improving education on clean energy and its benefits through simple,understandable, and informative materials. Run educational sessions in schools, community groups and business coalitions. In 2018 the city of Boston, U.S., initiated Greenovate Boston Leaders. Through the programme, the city provides training, materials and support to individuals who want to make presentations to community groups, families, or workplaces.
How social entrepreneurs are fostering access to clean energy
TD Africa recently launched the ‘Green Hero,’ a new program specifically focusing on sustainable energy solutions for Nigerian consumers. Operating in partnership with Huawei and EcoFlow, this initiative will focus on developing renewable energy solutions that affect homes and businesses. Notably, this initiative will also focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices across the continent as fossil fuel prices continue to skyrocket.
These solutions will be available directly through online platforms, enhancing their availability and accessibility for a broad range of customers. One of the solutions is the Huawei ISite Power M for homes and small businesses, while the Huawei ISite Power S can be used for commercial and industrial applications.
EcoGen– a social innovator operating out of Malawi, founded in 2018 to provide technically advanced and sustainable biogas technology solutions for production of renewable biogas energy and fertilizer to small farmers to reduce food shortage, poverty and climate change. EcoGen designs, produces, distributes, and installs small and medium biogas systems to convert waste (agriculture or home waste) into biogas energy and fertilizer. Over the years, the corporation has sold +900 Biogas systems cutting down the need for fossil fuels.
Be curious!
- Be an advocate for clean and renewable energy! Even small acts can have a ripple effect.
- Make decisions with the future in mind. Plan Ahead- Consider habitat and species in long-term energy planning and purchasing processes.
- Read more on the International Day for Clean Energy on the United Nation website.
- Learn more about the connection between clean energy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability; and how you can reduce your carbon emissions through making informed lifestyle choices.Check out our curious archives for even more on clean energy.
Featured image by Pedro Henrique Santos vis Unsplash
