Sustainable Development Goals UNDP SDG Booklet, 7x5inches for DG_final | Page 27

GOAL 7: AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Ensure access to affordable,
reliable, sustainable and modern
energy for all
Photo: UNDP
Between 1990 and 2010, the number of people with access to elec-
tricity increased by 1.7 billion. That’s progress to be proud of. And yet,
as the world’s population continues to rise, still more people will need
cheap energy to light their homes and streets, use phones and com-
puters and do their everyday business. The way we get that energy is
at issue; fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions are making drastic
changes in the climate, leading to big problems on every continent.
Instead, we can become more energy-efficient and invest in clean
energy sources such as solar and wind. That way we’ll meet electricity
needs and protect the environment. How’s that for a balancing act?
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