HLP IV: SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action
The adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015 was a major achievement that serves as a path
for addressing climate change in a meaningful way. Energy will be central in this effort. A centerpiece of
the agreement is the commitment of countries around the world to take action, spelled out in the
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). For most if not all of the INDCs, energy appears
as one of the pillars for implementation.
SDG 7 includes references to the need for universal energy access, imrpovement of energy efficiency,
and for a substantial increase in the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, all by 2030.
SDG 7 also calls for greater international cooperation ‘to facilitate access to clean energy research and
technology’ and ‘to 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 land-locked developing countries.’ These targets either affect or are affected by
climate change.
Participants will discuss ways to take the Paris Agreement forward, focusing on the challenges of
implementation and more specifically on issues related to technology, investments, capacities, and
institutions to help energy play a key role in the fight against poverty and inequality, including gender
inequality.
docum: ADA Presentation, AEA Presentation, Session Summary