COP17 (the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), which was held in Durban from 28 November to 9 December 2011, brought not only climate change to the attention of South Africans but also the issue of sustainable energy. But did you know that more than 1.4 billion people worldwide have no access to electricity, and 1 billion more only have intermittent access? Some 2.5 billion people – almost half of all people – rely solely on traditional methods such as burning wood and coal for cooking and heating.

The 2012 International Year of Sustainable Energy for All should deepen our concern for this important issue. During 2012, activities will be undertaken to “increase awareness of the importance of addressing energy issues, including modern energy services for all, access to affordable energy, energy efficiency and the sustainability of energy sources and use” at local, national, regional and international levels. This initiative will engage governments, the private sector and civil society partners globally with the goal of achieving sustainable energy for all. There are three major objectives to be met by 2030, namely:

    • Ensuring universal access to modern energy services
    • Doubling the rate of improvement in energy efficiency
    • Doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

Why sustainable energy for all is important

It is said that nearly every major challenge and opportunity in the world today need energy. This includes jobs, security, climate change, food production and increasing incomes. To strengthen economies, protect the environment and ecosystems and to achieve equity, sustainable energy for all is essential.

Access to energy transforms lives. Sustainable energy provides people with the means to generate income, provide and receive healthcare services, improve education and protect the environment. However, it stands to reason that the sources of energy should be efficient and renewable. The use of energy-efficient products reduces the amount of energy that must be supplied for lighting and other needs. Similarly, more efficient distribution and use of energy could free up power that is now lost or wasted, as well as capital to invest in additional energy supply or economic development.

Wind and solar energy, for example, can provide energy without negative impacts to the environment. At present, renewable energy sources provide only 19% cent of global energy consumption. The aim is to increase this supply to more than 75% by 2050. Small-scale renewable technologies could reach a large number of people currently without access to energy.

The campaign

The 2012 campaign will focus on various groups to ensure that all levels of governments and societies are reached. A public-private practitioner networks has also been formed to address barriers to the effective delivery of energy services, identify and disseminate best policies and practices, and promote the development of new technologies as well as innovative financial and business models. The network will focus on both household and community level electrification for productive purposes, incorporating specific market-based applications for health, agriculture, education, small business, communities and household solutions. This will ensure that the initiative is not confined to boardrooms and conferences but actually reaches the people on grass root level, that is those who need it most.

Key 2012 dates

    • January 16−18: Launch of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, UAE
    • February 1: Asian Regional Rollout of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, New Delhi, India
    • February 19 (tent.): African Regional Rollout of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, Nairobi, Kenya
    • March (tent.): Americas Regional Rollout of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, Barbados
    • June 4−6: UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • September 18−21: Report to the General Assembly on International Year of Sustainable Energy for All
    • December: Closing ceremony for the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All

 

Source

http://www.sustainableenergyforall.org