Energy Justice – Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Promoting Clean Energy Equity in the Southeast: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Introduction

The Southeastern United States faces significant challenges related to energy affordability and climate change impacts. This report highlights the importance of equitable access to clean energy and aligns these efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing social, economic, and environmental justice.

Energy Affordability and Social Equity

The Southeast region experiences some of the highest energy bills in the nation, disproportionately affecting low-income and fixed-income households. These populations often face difficult choices between paying for energy, food, or medicine, underscoring the need for affordable and sustainable energy solutions.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Reducing economic burdens associated with high energy costs.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing disparities in energy access and affordability.

Climate Change Impacts on Vulnerable Communities

Underserved communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and girls, are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and wildfires. These impacts exacerbate existing social and economic vulnerabilities.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 13: Climate Action – Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Mitigating health risks associated with climate-related disasters.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Addressing the specific vulnerabilities of women and girls.

Benefits of Clean Energy and Advocacy Efforts

Clean energy offers multiple benefits including:

1. More affordable energy bills
2. Safer homes and communities
3. Improved quality of life and health
4. Enhanced resilience against climate impacts

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) advocates for equitable policies and programs that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development. Collaboration with underresourced and disadvantaged communities is prioritized to develop meaningful solutions that alleviate environmental and economic burdens.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Building resilient and inclusive communities.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting economic benefits through clean energy.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable energy practices.

Commitment to Internal Equity and Justice

In addition to external advocacy, there is a commitment to addressing societal inequities within organizational structures. This includes fostering equity and justice internally to reflect the values promoted externally.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promoting inclusive and equitable organizational practices.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Ensuring equity within the organization.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses high energy bills in the Southeast and the need for affordable clean energy solutions.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The focus on underserved communities, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women and girls, and low-income groups highlights efforts to reduce inequalities.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article addresses the impacts of climate change such as extreme temperatures, storms, floods, and wildfires affecting vulnerable communities.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Mention of healthier quality of life and safer homes relates to health and well-being.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The emphasis on safer homes and resilient communities connects to sustainable urban development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
5. SDG 11 Targets:
   • 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 7:
   • Proportion of population with access to electricity and clean energy sources.
   • Average household energy costs as a percentage of income, especially for low-income groups.
   • Share of renewable energy in total energy consumption.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Measures of social and economic inclusion such as income distribution and access to energy services by marginalized groups.
   • Disparities in energy affordability and access across different demographic groups.
3. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Number of people affected by climate-related hazards (extreme temperatures, storms, floods, wildfires) in vulnerable communities.
   • Implementation of climate resilience policies and programs in the region.
4. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • Incidence of health issues related to pollution and poor energy conditions in affected communities.
5. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Number of disaster-related deaths and affected individuals in urban and rural communities.
   • Environmental impact metrics such as air quality and energy efficiency in homes and communities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cleanenergy.org