SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
When you think about your daily life, you will notice that you use energy all the time. We use energy to cook and store our food, when we take the bus to school or turn on the lights when it gets dark. Now think about all the other people around the world needing energy for their lives too. That is a lot of energy we need every day and at the same time, we want to use energy which doesn’t pollute the air.
In many places around the world, there is still no access to clean energy. For example, many families still cook with wood, charcoal or dung which causes indoor air pollution and can make them sick. That’s why it is important to provide renewable energy sources, like solar panels.
There are also close to one billion people living without electricity at all and 50 percent of those people are in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means that many children can’t do their homework at night because they don’t have light, or store their food safely in a fridge to keep it fresh. Giving them access to energy would help them to have more time to study and do better in school.
Our new reading list covers many of these topics and we hope the stories will inspire you to take action for all children to live with affordable and clean energy.
The SDG Book Club makes content available in the six official languages of the United Nations – please see our other pages for more recommendations in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.
On the importance of reading
The boy who harnessed the wind
This story about a boy growing up in poverty in Malawi is an inspirational story of strength.
Setting the scene in the first part of the book helps the reader to understand the environment William lived in. William had a curious mind growing up and the book illustrates how to be resourceful in his situation. The book also reminds us of the difference one person can make in this world, and aligns very well with the theme of SDG 7, which are Affordable and Clean Energy and where we are all encouraged to live more sustainably in our beautiful world.
Author: William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer| Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon | ISBN: 978-0147510426 | Publisher: Puffin Books
Iqbal and his Ingenious Idea
It’s monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal’s mother must cook the family’s meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister, and it’s even making them sick. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school’s upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he’ll design a stove that doesn’t produce smoke! With help from his teacher, Iqbal learns all about solar energy cooking, which uses heat from the sun to cook – ingenious! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?
Author: Elizabeth Suneby | Illustrator: Rebecca Green | ISBN: 978-1771387200| Publisher: Kids Can Press
What If We Run out of Oil?
We use oil every day – whether on the bus to school or writing with a pen. But where does it come from? What impact is our use of it having on the environment? What will happen when we run out completely? Explore the answers to these questions in this detailed information book, with stunning photographs and clear diagrams.
Author: Nick Hunter| ISBN: 978-0007428342| Publisher: Collins Educational
Reading is a great way to better understand what people from across the globe struggle with in their everyday lives, and it helps us reflect on our own situation. But reading is just the first step: now it’s time to share your book club experiences and how you plan to take action. Each month, we will feature a couple of book clubs on our blog, so get ready to share your story through social media, by using #SDGBookClub and tagging @UNPublications.
We encourage you to host book club meetings around the world and share your photos via hashtag #SDGBookClub. If you would like to organize a public book club meeting, we recommend contacting your local book store, library or school and set it up with them. Please share the planned event on social media using #SDGBookClub and we will add it to the list of events. Click the button below to download our tips to organize a successful event!
Help us spread the word by downloading our promotional materials. You will find a horizontal banner, bookmark, placard and easy-to-print sign-up sheet for your friends, family and community to join the SDG Book Club!
The International Publishers Association (IPA) is a federation of publishing associations from around the world. The main mandate of the IPA is to promote and defend copyright, support the freedom to publish, promote literacy and reading. IPA is an accredited NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN. IPA supports the SDGs and works particularly closely with WIPO and UNESCO.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession. Founded in 1927 in Edinburgh, Scotland at an international conference, we celebrated our 90th birthday in 2017. We now have more than 1,300 Members in nearly 150 countries around the world. IFLA was registered in the Netherlands in 1971.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization that represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together. Today IBBY comprises 79 National Sections worldwide.
The European & International Booksellers Federation (EIBF) represents national booksellers associations in the European Union and beyond. EIBF Members in turn have in membership booksellers of all kinds: brick and mortar bookshops, online bookshops, independents, chains.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) is the most important international trade fair of the children’s publishing industry. With over 50 years of experience, BCBF has succeeded in bringing together a unique and diverse global audience: the result is the world’s premium copyright business hub when it comes to publishing with an extra core that extends to all multi-media content for children.