As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, the call for “affordable and clean energy” has become a rallying cry for governments, corporations, and activists alike. But have we been fooled by the rhetoric? Is the pursuit of SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to “affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” truly aligning with the values of sustainability and equity that underpin the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals?
Learn more: "A Green Tomorrow: How the World Came Together to Achieve the SDGs by 2030"
The answer, it turns out, is complicated. While the goal of achieving universal energy access is undeniably noble, the methods we’ve employed to get there have often prioritized economic growth over social and environmental justice. Take, for instance, the proliferation of large-scale solar and wind farms, which, while touted as “clean,” have been shown to displace local communities, fragment ecosystems, and even contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, the push for “affordable” energy has led to a reliance on cheap, polluting fuels like coal and natural gas, which continue to dominate global energy mixes. The result is a paradoxical situation where the pursuit of energy access has, in many cases, exacerbated climate change and environmental degradation.
Learn more: The Unyielding Quest for a Carbon-Free Future
So, what’s going wrong? One culprit is the notion that energy access is solely a matter of infrastructure development. While new power plants and transmission lines are indeed essential, they’re only half the equation. Equally important is the social and economic context in which energy is produced, distributed, and consumed.
In many developing countries, energy access is not just about turning on the lights; it’s about empowerment, economic opportunity, and social justice. It’s about recognizing that energy is not just a commodity, but a fundamental human right.
To truly achieve SDG 7, we need to rethink our approach to energy access. This means prioritizing decentralized, community-led energy solutions that put people and the planet at the center. It means investing in renewable energy technologies that are not only clean but also locally owned and controlled. And it means recognizing that energy access is not just a technical challenge, but a social and economic one that requires a fundamental shift in our values and priorities.
In other words, we need to redefine what we mean by “affordable and clean energy.” Instead of relying on cheap, polluting fuels or large-scale infrastructure projects, we should be seeking out innovative, community-led solutions that put people and the planet at the heart of the energy transition.
The stakes are high, but the potential rewards are enormous. By reimagining energy access as a fundamental human right, rather than just a technical challenge, we can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable energy future for all. It’s time to get real about the dirty truth behind “affordable and clean energy” – and start building a better future for our planet.
