ABSTRACT
Effectively connecting SDG 7 to the extractive industries will require a decisive step ahead beyond the classic affordability and dependable supply approach to energy security (Pascual & Elkind, 2009). The development imperative is “energy poverty” – particularly providing reliable electricity to much of the developing world which is still highly deficient in access (Aklin et al., 2018). Relieving the burden of energy poverty will require wide-ranging energy infrastructure which in many cases is dependent on metals for both generation and delivery. Furthermore, the extraction process itself for such metals for such infrastructure and for broader usage can also be made more energy efficient.
This chapter presents both facets of this linkage between SDG 7 and the extractive industries. We also provide a deep-dive comparative of Europe and Asia-Pacific in the context of Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals and specifically SDG 7. The analysis is supported by energy data (Enerdata, 2018) to understand the global and regional tendencies; regional indicators proposed by the Sustainable Development Goals (specifically SDG 7) (UN, 2018); and the ambitious determination of Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015) to combat climate change. The quantity and quality of demand changes as exemplified by Asia and Europe respectively have important implications for how the extractive industries need to engage with both the developed and developing world in their SDG targets.
