We cannot achieve 2050 “net-zero emissions” goals without meeting 2030 “sustainable energy for all” goals – Damilola Ogunbiyi

Oredola Adeola

Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and special representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, has cautioned that the failure of the global community to achieve the 2030 goals first (access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all) will have a far-reaching impact of the attainment of the 2050 goals (net-zero emissions).

She made this observation during a panel session at the Columbia Global Energy Summit 2023, on Wednesday.

According to people, having access to energy is not a nice thing to have, it defines a dignified life. The CEO of
SEforALL emphasized that we cannot achieve net zero goals without also addressing energy access and energy poverty.

“We cannot reach the 2050 goals (net-zero emissions) without meeting the 2030 goals first (access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all).

“People often forget that energy finance is the main challenge and issue that needs to be unlocked to guarantee an inclusive energy transition.

“There are over 700 million people in the world that have no access to electricity. “And there’s been a real big boost in renewable energy, but that has been in the developed world – not in the developing world.” She said.