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Affordable and Clean Energy Written by Emma Joyce Illustration by Giulia Avella
What’s the Goal?
What can you do?
The United Nations goal for Affordable and Clean Energy is to ensure everyone has access to modern and sustainable energy that is reliable and affordable.
Whilst there are ways we as a global population can make changes to become more environmentally conscious and friendly, it can feel incredibly overwhelming individually. Be mindful that any small change can collectively make a difference so here are a few things you can do at home to help:
Many countries rely on the burning of fossil fuels - oil, coal and gas, to produce energy. In fact, energy accounts for 60% of all global greenhouse gas emissions which directly contributes to climate change. Renewable energy is a cleaner and more sustainable replacement for finite resources. Indeed, in 2018, 17.1% of electricity came from renewables, particularly hydro, wind and biomass. However, whilst developed countries have the opportunities to change, developing countries and excluded communities do not. 789 million people live without access to electricity, of which 69.46% are in sub-Saharan Africa. In these areas, people are at significant risks of disease, health complications, poor sanitation and poor or lacking education. The UN are working to encourage and support countries investing in renewable energy technology and infrastructure but also encouraging businesses to protect ecosystems whilst doing this to meet their sustainable development goal.
15 Green Zine 2021
• Change your light bulbs to more energy efficient types. • Use cleaner transportation like riding a bike, walking, using public transport or driving an electric car. • Turn appliances and lights off completely when not in use. For more tips and tricks into conserving energy, saving money and helping the planet, check out ‘120 Ways to save and conserve energy’ at https://www.ovoenergy.com/ guides/energy-guides/120-ways-to-saveenergy.html
Sustainable Development Goals