By Obiabin Onukwugha & Adamu David
February 14 is set aside for World Energy Day. Established since, 1949, the day emphasises the need to raise awareness among the world population about the use of alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass energy, thus reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The aim is to promote renewable sources’ use and reduce the use of fossil fuel-based energies such as coal or oil.
It is intended to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), contemplated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, such as: guarantee universal access to affordable and modern energy sources, expand the use renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency.
It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of energy is produced from fossil fuels, and 36 percent of it comes from oil.
According to reports, this significant date, promotes the use of clean energy obtained from nature, for example: through the sun, water, wind, sea, highlighting its environmental impact. In addition, it supports the sustainable use of energy and energy resources vital for the planet.
Energy plays a fundamental role in the daily lives of modern society. From street lighting to home air conditioning, to transporting people/goods to supplying companies’ industrial activities, it is difficult to imagine a life without energy.
For example, it’s enough just to think of small and unexpected power outages when there is a breakdown in the power supply. These short intervals are enough for us to consider how dependent we are on energy.
However, the increase in energy consumption and the unsustainable exploitation of energy resources have raised significant concerns about energy security and environmental impacts.
The challenges in the energy sphere are diverse and complex. Continued dependence on fossil fuels has led to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and its devastating effects.
Furthermore, growing energy demand puts finite natural resources such as oil, gas, and coal at risk, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
According to the scientific community, emissions need to be reduced by around 50% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the most negative impacts of climate change.
The United Nations note that fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gas) are the main drivers for this climate change, being responsible for more than 75% of total global greenhouse gas emissions and about 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.
Fossil fuels still account for over 70% of global supply (compared to 82% in 2022), according to the latest report from the International Energy Agency,. according to the World Energy Outlook 2023.
Renewable energies, mainly solar and wind, continue to grow and are expected to become the main source of electricity generation by 2025.
“On this World Energy Day, the United Nations reaffirms its commitment to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 7, recognizing that a just energy transition is critical to combat climate change and build a more equitable future for all people.
“We call upon governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate in accelerating the shift towards clean energy sources, investing in energy efficiency, and empowering communities to participate in shaping their energy future,” the body stated.