Grids that prioritize renewables
Climate
With global attention fixed on accelerating the energy transition, a key question remains: how should we plan and develop grid infrastructure to keep pace with the transformation of our energy system?
SDG 7
Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Targets
Indicators
Target
7.1
By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
Indicators
7.1.1
Proportion of population with access to electricity
7.1.2
Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology
Target
7.2
By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
Indicators
7.2.1
Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption
Target
7.3
By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
Indicators
7.3.1
Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP
Target
7.a
By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology
Indicators
7.a.1
International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development and renewable energy production, including in hybrid systems
Target
7.b
By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and landlocked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
Indicators
7.b.1
Installed renewable energy-generating capacity in developing countries (in watts per capita)
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Low carbon tipping points
Climate — Global
Renewable energy is surging, costs are falling, and investment is booming. Yet questions remain over whether this momentum marks an irreversible turning point – and how quickly fossil fuels can follow suit
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Bridging the divide: using technology and AI to close the development gap
Data and monitoring — Global
Digital innovation can drive progress toward the SDGs – yet the countries that stand to gain the most often face the highest barriers to adoption. We need a more inclusive model of technology transfer to close, not widen, the global development gap
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Net-zero saboteurs
Climate — Europe
Indirect lobbying of governments and institutions by industry associations remains an important way for companies to sabotage climate progress, and it’s flying under the radar. We need more responsible firms and governments to call out and curb these hidden and harmful practices before it’s too late
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Balancing investment and trade to address climate challenges
Climate — Global
As developed economies deploy powerful incentives to boost low-carbon industries, critics argue they’re creating structural barriers for developing countries, hindering their ability to participate in and benefit from the global shift to clean energy. How can we balance climate investment and trade to promote a rapid, just transition for all nations?
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Finance that will deliver on climate action and the SDGs requires a coordinated approach among governments, regulators, rating agencies, exchanges, asset managers, and investors. Many encouraging initiatives are already underway – now, we must build on this momentum to create a financial ecosystem where every investment supports both economic growth and environmental preservation
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Green tech: disrupting the status quo to slow climate change
Climate — Global
Addressing climate change requires a paradigm shift: disruptive, decarbonizing technologies across agriculture, industrials, buildings, energy, and transportation, backed by strong government investment. By fostering exploratory innovation in each sector, we can create the comprehensive solutions for the sustainable transformation we need
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Can emissions trading systems drive the transition to clean energy?
Climate — Global
Emissions trading systems played a pivotal role in combating acid rain in the 1990s, but their rollout for greenhouse gases has been comparatively slow. What’s holding them back, and what will it take for these systems to help win the fight against climate change?
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Climate action that protects the right to development
Climate — Global
Carbon emission reduction plans designed by developed nations can – whether by intention or not – deny developing nations the opportunity to develop. Balancing climate action with economic progress is critical to creating an inclusive, resilient future for all
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Three priorities for scaling private climate finance
Climate — Global
Calls for the private sector to plug gaps in climate investment, expertise, and entrepreneurship often overlook a critical fact: only government policy can unleash capital at scale. With targeted incentives, governments hold the power to drive the private funding needed to meet climate goals
