Page - 21 - in Clean Water Using Solar and Wind - Outside the Power Grid

Towards sustainability goals 21 Table 2.1 Important links between the UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG7 (affordable and clean energy) and the other 15 SDGs (partly adopted from IRENA, 2017a). SDG Links 1 – No poverty To eliminate poverty requires both basic energy and clean water. Both can stimulate economic activity. Decentralised energy can save expenditure on fossil fuels, which has a huge impact on the daily life of poor people in many parts of the world. Clean water will naturally influence health conditions, which in turn will affect general living conditions. 2 – Zero hunger Renewable energy has been used for pumping. Irrigation that is not wasteful will improve food production and reduce vulnerability to droughts. Renewable energy can also provide the necessary energy for food preservation and refrigeration, thus reducing food waste. 3 – Good health and well-being Clean energy for cooking can reduce risks for respiratory diseases caused by indoor air pollution. Decentralised electric energy can support the operation of health clinics and hospitals in remote areas. Renewables for power – replacing fossil fuels and the transportation of them – will reduce health problems related to outdoor pollution. 4 – Quality education Today many children cannot study after school because their home lacks electricity. Renewable energy for lighting will allow studies and reading after dark, which is a significant change of life conditions in areas formerly without electric power. Renewable power will also make time available that was used previously for fuel collection. 5 – Gender equality Usually women and children have the burden of fuel and water collection. The use of traditional biomass for cooking has significant health effects on primarily women and children. Electric lights can increase safety and allow girls and women to attend meetings after dark. 8 – Decent work and economic growth An increasing share of renewables will give new job opportunities. Better water provision for agriculture will support jobs in food production. Electric energy supply can give several new job opportunities at the village level. (Continued) Downloaded from https://iwaponline.com/ebooks/book-pdf/520710/wio9781780409443.pdf by IWA Publishing user