What is SDGs Goal 7?
SDGs Goal 7 is “Affordable and Clean Energy,” with its mission statement being “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”
This goal has 5 targets and 6 indicators measuring how well energy is provided to everyone in the world. Targets include:
- Universal access to affordable and reliable energy services.
- Increasing the global use of renewable energy.
- Enhancing international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
The halt of using fossil fuels and the shift towards green energy is one of the most prominent topics of our time. Other than wind and solar, newer technologies like wave power energy and carbon capture and storage are getting attention around the world. But contrary to common belief, converting the world to sustainable, renewable energy only tackles 55% of global carbon emissions.
Energy in Japan
As of 2018, Japan has an energy self-sufficiency rate of 11.8%, with primary sources from oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear power. It has a high dependency on fossil fuels, using 25.1% coal, 37.6% Oil and 22.9% within its energy mix. Clean energy use includes 8.2% renewable energy and 3.5% hydroelectric energy. It also uses 2.8% nuclear power.
There are Japanese clean energy companies helping its people make the switch to renewables. However, the challenge to go green remains an uphill battle for Japan. The restart in using nuclear energy through older generation power plants is sparking controversy on safety, while unethical practices and natural disasters remain an issue for Japan.
Furthermore, companies like Sumitomo Corporation and JICA, under the guise of international cooperation, are using loopholes in their greenwashing activities to build coal power plants in Asia, like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia.
SDGs Goal 7 in Japan
The reasons behind Climate demonstrations against Japanese banks
Japanese banks are still big financiers of coal, even though the world is moving towards renewable energy. Watchdogs often critique how inadequate their revisions to policies to become green are. Because of this, Groups like Friends of the Earth demonstrated outside banks like Mizuho last year.
The reasons behind Climate demonstrations against Japanese banksJapan’s safety and security problems about nuclear power
The controversial decision to restart Japan’s nuclear reactors is hotly debated in Japan. This is partly because of Japan’s goals to move away from fossil fuel dependency. Unfortunately, there are numerous issues regarding tapping nuclear energy in Japan.
Japan’s safety and security problems about nuclear powerCan Japan and its local communities benefit from micro-hydropower?
While doubts and inconsistencies remain in Japan’s plans to go carbon neutral, there are role models and potential. Small-scale hydropower, in particular micro-hydropower, is something that communities can tap on Japan’s rivers. In addition, it can fit into an agricultural system too!
Can Japan and its local communities benefit from micro hydropower?3 Japanese clean energy companies contributing to social good
Some companies are providing consumers with the option to switch to renewable energy at home. These companies have been making waves, with many socially responsible companies switching to using their services in the past few years. Read the article to find out more about how companies contribute further than only providing renewable energy.
3 Japanese clean energy companies contributing to social goodJapan still faces human rights issue of Fukushima refugees
Talking about energy does not end at tackling carbon emissions. Energy also affects human lives, be it the access to energy or the adverse effects on communities.
Japan has its own internally displaced persons, and the problems faced by Fukushima refugees are issues that still do not have enough attention in the country. The talk about using nuclear energy in Japan needs to include the lessons we can learn from them.
Japan still faces human rights issue of Fukushima refugeesCan Japan switch to a renewable future?
So, ultimately, we find ourselves asking, “Can Japan switch to a renewable future?” With its flaws, there is growth in the renewable energy market in Japan. There are still obstacles, and Japan must stop under committing to act against the climate crisis.
Can Japan switch to a renewable future? [Related article] Japan’s Coal Problem