Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 6 & Goal 7

One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Goal 6 aims to provide clean water and adequate sanitation for all, and Goal 7 aims to provide energy which is not only affordable and clean but also reliable to citizens all around the world.

There are a couple of ways that water and energy relate to one another. Let’s start with the basics.

Electricity is required to treat, heat and transport water to households and commercial properties. Water is also used to cool the steam which spins the electricity-generating turbines in power plants.

Water security and electricity security are essential to ensure we have access to both. However, it is important to note that by increasing the share of renewable energy technologies such as wind in our energy mix, we will decrease our reliance on water to supply this energy.

Another form of renewable energy, hydroelectricity, comes into the discussion here as well. Hydroelectricity is generated by capturing the energy in the movement of water. Tasmania is heavily reliant on hydroelectricity as a source of renewable energy. The state, which boasts 100% renewable energy, depends on hydroelectricity for nearly 75% of its energy. It is important to note that last year, Tasmania experienced an energy crisis due to lower than average rainfall. As with all other forms of energy, it is important to have a back-up plan in place should the primary producer fail or falter for some reason.

To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal6: #CleanWater and #Sanitation and #Goal7: #AffordableEnergy and #CleanEnergy.

This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.

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