Hey there, eco warriors! So, we’ve got a bit of a situation on our hands. Climate change is running rampant, and it’s not exactly a walk in the park. But guess what? We’ve got these cool things called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and one of them, SDG 7, is like our shining knight in armour, here to save the day. It’s all about “Affordable and Clean Energy.” You know, the kind that doesn’t just power our stuff but also keeps the planet cool and our growth fair and square.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of SDGs and how they’re helping us fight climate change! Plus, we’ll talk about how young folks and technology are the superheroes in this story.

Global Progress – Let’s Celebrate

Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’ve got some good news! The United Nations’ 2023 report shows that we’re making great strides in SDG 7. The use of renewable electricity in the global energy mix jumped from 26.3% in 2019 to 28.2% in 2020, the biggest leap since the SDGs came into being. This is awesome because it means we’re using more clean energy and getting super efficient at it.

Last year, in September 2021, the High-Level Dialogue on Energy (HLDE) brought us the UN-Energy Plan of Action until 2025. That’s a fancy way of saying they have a plan to speed up SDG 7. And guess what? They even launched the Global Energy Compact Network, with over 200 Energy Compacts and a whopping $600 billion in funding and investments. The world is getting serious about sustainable energy and so should you!

Pakistan’s Renewable Energy Goals – Let’s Go Green, Pakistan

Wondering what we are doing about the issue? Well, look no further since Pakistan is joining the global green revolution. They’re on a mission to generate 30% of their electricity from renewables by 2030. And boy, do they have potential! Wind and solar energy projects are popping up all over the place, and they’re reducing their reliance on coal and fuel – which, let’s be honest, aren’t exactly in endless supply.

Pakistan’s “Clean and Green Pakistan” initiative is all about being eco-friendly. They’re fighting deforestation and promoting renewable energy like solar power. In 2022, the solar power sector in Pakistan had an installed capacity of over 2,368 MW. That’s pretty impressive, right?

Foreign investors are also giving Pakistan a thumbs-up for their solar power projects. The government is even handing out cash, around $400 million, to support over 1,175 projects with a combined capacity of 1,375 MW by February 2022. Talk about going all-in on renewables!

International Initiatives – A Global Team Effort

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, is leading the charge with an initiative called Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL). It’s all about making sure everyone has access to clean, modern energy. They want to double the amount of renewable energy in the world’s energy mix and make energy use super efficient. Governments, businesses, and local superhero citizens are teaming up to make it happen. Time to join the team!

Challenges Ahead – Not So Smooth Sailing

But wait, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some places in Pakistan, like Sindh and Balochistan, still don’t have access to electricity and basic stuff like that. And even in cities, things aren’t always fair when it comes to energy distribution. We’re also wasting energy like it’s going out of style. It’s time to shape up!

Recommendations for a Sustainable Future – Let’s work together for a better tomorrow

Here’s the deal – we need to take action, and we need to do it now. We should get renewable energy into remote rural areas so that everyone gets a fair shot at a sustainable life. Fixing up our infrastructure is crucial, too. Old equipment and stuff just won’t cut it if we’re going to tackle climate change head-on.

Oh, and the government should lead by example and use solar energy – that way, the rest of us will follow their lead. We need more ads, updated school curriculums, and infographics to spread the word about SDG 7. The more people know, the better!

Fair energy distribution can put an end to all those shady practices and reduce the heavy costs on our society and the environment. We’ve also got some bright scholars and students who are super into this whole SDGs and climate crisis thing. Let’s give them the data they need to lead the way.

If we all pitch in, we can make the world a cleaner, greener place for the next generation. And that, my friends, is a legacy worth leaving behind!

Keep it green, keep it clean, and let’s light up the world with sustainable energy!

About the Author:

Shizra Huda is a liberal arts major delving into the heartbeat of cities and the soul of heritage through anthropology. Unravelling cultural tapestries in her research, she sharpens her mind with crime thrillers, adding a touch of mystery to her academic odyssey.