UN SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

“Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day. Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy. Implementing these new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to counter climate change, one of the biggest threats to our own survival.”

Source: https://www.globalgoals.org/7-affordable-and-clean-energy

If we’ve talked about clean water, can clean energy be far behind? Our relentless extraction of fossil fuels has depleted the world’s resources. Our patterns of overconsumption by using these forms of energy increase the pollution in the atmosphere and have many other cascading effects as well.

UN SDG Goal 7 aims to provide affordable and clean energy for all. The targets include providing universal access to modern energy, increase the amount renewable energy the world uses and increase energy efficiency among other things.

While there is much to be concerned about, there are many promising interventions as well. The World Economic Forum has found that the price of renewable energy continues to fall. ‘$23 billion could be wiped off global bills if we switched from costly coal to renewable.’ In 2020, ‘renewable sources generated 38% of Europe’s electricity, while 37% came from fossil fuels. Cochin International Airport in Kerala hit the headlines when it became the world’s first fully solar-powered airport in 2017. The solar panels on the roof are a clean source of energy and will not give out any carbon dioxide emissions.  ’

NGO Sevalaya is a pioneer in this area. 80% of operations in NGO Sevalaya’s campus are powered by solar energy. Selco Foundation in India has been bringing solar energy solutions to rural India, and they have explored everything from mini-grids to independent solar-powered Integrated Energy Centres (IECs) that provide services such as lighting, mobile charging points, water purification activities and more.

Governments and individuals are trying to increase biking lanes in cities to reduce reliance on cars. The Global Goals website has a few tips for individuals wanting to limit their energy use:

• Turn off your airconditioning/alternate with fans and open ventilation
• Don’t use multiple devices at the same time
• Switch off your appliances at the sockets. As always, turn off lights and fans when they’re not in use

PS: You can read our blogs on the other UN Sustainable Development Goals here.

Good news! To make life easier for our users and donors, HelpYourNGO has collated a list of verified non-profits working towards UN SDG 7 across rural and urban India. Once you’ve found an NGO you like, click on the ‘Donate Now’ button and fill in the mandatory information, as required by the Income Tax Authorities. Once you have completed your donation, HelpYourNGO will send a confirmation email to you. A donation receipt along with the Sec 80G certificate will be shared within 3 days of the donation being processed. No hassles for you!