Assessment of energy and environmental sustainability in South Asia in the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

South Asia, a developing region housing almost a quarter of the world population, faces stringent energy and environmental problems including acute vulnerability to climate change. To improve their socioeconomics and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is imperative for South Asian countries to address their energy and environmental challenges. A thorough review of the national and regional achievements and challenges concerning SDGs is important for finding fast and sustainable solutions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the energy and environmental outlook for the region taking into account the faced challenges and their potential solutions. It also aims to examine the prospects of the relevant SDGs taking into account the accomplishments and the faced challenges. It maps the progress South Asian countries have made towards the concerned seven SDGs - SDG6, SDG7, SDG11, SDG12, SDG13, SDG14, and SDG15-also identifying the challenges ahead. The article undertakes a thorough review of the literature including national and regional reports on energy and environmental scenarios and the SDGs. It finds that although South Asian countries have made considerable progress in power generation capacity and rural electrification, they face serious challenges with regard to SDG6, SDG7, and SDG11. South Asian countries need to benefit from their vast renewable energy potential and align their energy sectors with the trends of the unfolding sustainable energy transition. To achieve the targeted SDGs, concentrated efforts are required especially in terms of governmental support, budget allocation, and robust policy formulation and implementation.