Access to electricity in poorer countries has begun to accelerate, energy efficiency continues to improve, and renewable energy is making impressive gains in the electricity sector. Nevertheless, more focused attention is needed to improve access to clean and safe cooking fuels and technologies for 3 billion people, to expand the use of renewable energy beyond the electricity sector, and to increase electrification in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since 2007, more than half the world’s population has been living in cities, and that share is projected to rise to 60% by 2030. Cities and metropolitan areas are engines for economic growth. However, they also account for about 70% of global carbon emissions and over 60%of resource use. Rapid urbanisation is resulting in growing numbers of slums, inadequate and overburdened infrastructure, and services (such as waste collection and water and sanitation systems, roads, and transport), worsening air pollution and unplanned urban sprawl.

Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans, reduce future economic, environmental, and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness, and reduce poverty.