Between 2000 and 2016, the number of people with access to electricity increased from 78 to 87 percent, while those living without electricity declined to below one billion.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable and Modern Energy.
Despite such positive improvements, as the human population continues to grow, so will the demand for cheap energy. Moreover, current dependencies on nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, will continue to intensify the effects of climate change.
To improve global energy productivity and achieve the objectives of SDG 7 by 2030, it is vital to support global investment and transitions to solar, wind and thermal energy systems.
Expanding infrastructure and upgrading technology will not only provide clean and more efficient energy for all countries, it will encourage economic growth and help environmental protection efforts.
Facts and figures
10.3 millionThe renewable energy sector employed a record 10.3 million people in 2017.
1 in 7One in 7 people still lacks electricity, and most of them live in rural areas of the developing world.
60%Energy is the main contributor to climate change, it produces around 60 percent of greenhouse gases.
14%More efficient energy standards could reduce building and industry electricity consumption by 14 percent.
3 billionMore than 40 percent of the world’s population—3 billion—rely on polluting and unhealthy fuels for cooking.
20%As of 2015, more than 20 percent of power was generated through renewable sources.
