Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Our universe is a sea of energy - free, clean energy. It is all out there waiting for us to set sail upon it. -Robert Adams
SDG LAB
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Course Description
Did you know that 1 in 5 PEOPLE do not have access to electricity? What would your life be like without electricity and what can someone like you do about it?
Energy is vital to sustainable development and living. It is only by understanding the impact that a lack of clean and affordable energy has on the society can we understand why the UN has stated Clean and Affordable Energy as an important goal for sustainable development. This is what we aim to help you achieve through this unit.
Head over to the units to become CHAMPION of SDG7!
Units
Unit 1
Why is darkness a problem?
1.3 BILLION people are living in the DARK.
Why is this a problem? Well, not having access to electricity is keeping people in poverty because they are unable to light their homes, cook or pump clean water. This means that people have to spend time (especially women and girls who tend to be responsible for household chores) to gather fuel!
This is referred to as energy poverty- watch the videos below to SEE what this problem is causing.
Unit 2
What the f*ck are fossil fuels?
This unit explains the basics of fossil fuels, why they are harmful and how renewable energy is a great alternative. Here are some facts you should know before diving into the materials and videos.
WHAT THE F*CK ARE FOSSIL FUELS?
Fossil fuels are fuels made from coal, oil, and natural gas. (Energy Sage)
The problem:
they're non-renewable
they produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global warming
they create toxic air and water pollution.
WHY IS RENEWABLE BETTER?
Renewable energy comes from energy sources that renew themselves and it is SUSTAINABLE. (Cambridge Energy Alliance) Examples can be solar, wind and geothermal energy used to make electricity. Head on to the articles and videos to get the details!
Unit 3
Let there be light!
This is the most fun part of the course. We believe that in order to understand what is happening on the ground, you too need to jump in and get your hands dirty. This is where we would like you to let your imagination go wild and think of creative new ways to become a champion.
How about starting off with becoming an advocate of affordable and clean energy? There are many ways you as an individual can champion the need for affordable and clean energy. In the syllabus, we have some examples of slogans and campaigns that you can use to spread the word.
Reaching out to your political representative is another excellent way to promote Goal 7 through your civic power. Consider writing a letter, speaking up during a meet-and-greet, or starting an online campaign to move Goal 7 higher up on the agenda of your local government.
We can each do different things depending on where we live, what we do, and how we are engaged in our local community, in politics or in activism. Our individual and collective actions can accumulate into a real difference in the world.