3 things you should know about global efforts towards a clean energy transition

Clean energy is crucial for reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and protecting the climate and our natural world. A just and inclusive energy transition is key to limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius and preventing the worst climate impacts. Clean and affordable energy for everyone – Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 – is also critical in reducing poverty, improving health, education and gender equality, and creating sustainable jobs and economic growth. Here are three things to know about the clean energy transition.

1. Our reliance on fossil fuels comes at a high cost

Over 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from the energy sector, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels. Clean energy can have life-transforming impacts for the 685 million people around the world still living without electricity, and the 2.1 billion people cooking with dirty fuels that create unhealthy indoor smoke, causing over 3.2 million premature deaths each year.

2. Renewable energy offers essential benefits for people and planet

Renewable energy is increasingly affordable and its use is growing rapidly, but the global shift to renewables must be accelerated to meet global climate objectives. Every dollar of investment in renewable energy creates three times more jobs than in the fossil fuel industry.

Nearly 1 billion people rely on health facilities with unreliable or no electricity. Globally, over 186 million children attend primary schools without electricity. To address these needs, thousands of off-grid health clinics have been electrified, often with solar power, through the work of members of UN-Energy, for which UN DESA serves as secretariat. UN-Energy members and others are also working to install solar panels on schools, especially in Africa, where only 31 per cent of primary schools have electricity.

3. We need to commit and invest more

Countries need to deliver on commitments made to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. They also must meet the agreed financing target of providing $300 billion each year through 2030 to enable poorer countries to transition to clean energy. 

So, what can you do? Join the UN's "Act Now" campaign and switch to sustainable energy sources, such as electric transport, heating and cooking, and energy-efficient appliances.

Learn more and stay updated ahead of International Day of Clean Energy.