The verdict is in: the world’s efforts to achieve its energy goals for sustainable development have been patchy at best. This conclusion came at the close of the United Nations’ first-ever Sustainability Week, where the President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, acknowledged both advancements and shortcomings.
The “Decade of Sustainable Energy for All,” established in 2012, aimed to make significant strides in providing access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy sources. While there have been bright spots, progress has been uneven, and the benefits haven’t reached everyone equally.
One positive takeaway is the significant growth in renewable energy use in developing countries. Here, installations have seen a remarkable 9.6% rise annually over the past decade. Additionally, the global population with access to electricity has grown from 87% to 91% since 2015. These figures represent a clear move in the right direction.
However, Mr. Francis emphasized that the current pace of change is far too slow. The current trajectory falls short of meeting the ambitious targets set out by the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. A significant concern is the unequal distribution of progress. While some regions are witnessing notable advancements, others are being left behind.
The need to pick up the slack and ensure everyone benefits from sustainable energy solutions was a key message coming out of Sustainability Week. Mr. Francis urged member states to collaborate and find ways to accelerate the transition towards clean energy.
Experts believe that financial aid and technological advancements are crucial to bridging the gap. Developed nations can play a pivotal role by assisting developing countries with funding and expertise to adopt renewable energy sources. Technological innovation that brings down the cost of renewable energy solutions is also essential to make them a more attractive option for developing economies.
The UN’s Sustainability Week served as a stark reminder that achieving global energy goals necessitates a collective effort. While there’s reason to be cautiously optimistic about the progress made so far, a significant acceleration is required if the world is to achieve its ambitious targets for clean and sustainable energy access for all.
