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Mapping synergies and trade-offs between energy and the Sustainable Development Goals

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Fuso Nerini

    (University College London
    KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

  • Julia Tomei

    (University College London)

  • Long Seng To

    (University College London
    Loughborough University)

  • Iwona Bisaga

    (University College London)

  • Priti Parikh

    (University College London)

  • Mairi Black

    (University College London)

  • Aiduan Borrion

    (University College London)

  • Catalina Spataru

    (University College London)

  • Vanesa Castán Broto

    (University College London
    University of Sheffield)

  • Gabrial Anandarajah

    (University College London)

  • Ben Milligan

    (University College London)

  • Yacob Mulugetta

    (University College London)

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—including 17 interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets—is a global plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. SDG7 calls for action to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Here we characterize synergies and trade-offs between efforts to achieve SDG7 and delivery of the 2030 Agenda as a whole. We identify 113 targets requiring actions to change energy systems, and published evidence of relationships between 143 targets (143 synergies, 65 trade-offs) and efforts to achieve SDG7. Synergies and trade-offs exist in three key domains, where decisions about SDG7 affect humanity’s ability to: realize aspirations of greater welfare and well-being; build physical and social infrastructures for sustainable development; and achieve sustainable management of the natural environment. There is an urgent need to better organize, connect and extend this evidence, to help all actors work together to achieve sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Fuso Nerini & Julia Tomei & Long Seng To & Iwona Bisaga & Priti Parikh & Mairi Black & Aiduan Borrion & Catalina Spataru & Vanesa Castán Broto & Gabrial Anandarajah & Ben Milligan & Yacob Mu, 2018. "Mapping synergies and trade-offs between energy and the Sustainable Development Goals," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 10-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:3:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41560-017-0036-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-017-0036-5
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