UN’s Global Environment Outlook 7 Highlights the Central Role of Energy in Planetary Health

The United Nations has released its Global Environment Outlook 7 (GEO-7), described as the most comprehensive scientific assessment of the global environment ever produced. Compiled by 287 multidisciplinary scientists from 82 countries, the report provides a sweeping overview of the state of the planet—covering climate change, biodiversity, pollution, land use, oceans, freshwater, human well-being, and the economic systems that support or undermine sustainability.

While GEO-7 assesses a wide spectrum of environmental pressures and solutions, it also sets out a series of “transformation pathways” designed to help countries shift towards a sustainable future. Among these, the transformation of the global energy system emerges as one of the clearest and most consequential themes.

Energy at the Centre of Environmental Progress

Across the GEO-7 report, energy is presented not as a standalone issue but as a core driver connecting many of the world’s environmental challenges. The energy system is tightly linked to climate change, air pollution, economic inequality, resource extraction, ecosystem degradation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the same time, a well-managed energy transition offers major opportunities to reduce emissions, improve public health, close energy access gaps, support economic development, and limit pressure on land and biodiversity. GEO-7 notes that aligning climate action with other policy areas can create powerful synergies and deliver more cost-effective outcomes. The report identifies several critical, interconnected levers for this energy system transformation.

• Acting now is cheaper than dealing with impacts later
  The costs of inaction exceed the costs of mitigation for pathways limiting warming to 2°C. Aligning climate action with the SDGs could reduce global warming by 0.5°C and save 2.4 million lives annually through cleaner air.

• Reforming fossil-fuel subsidies is a major opportunity
  Global fossil-fuel subsidies reached US$7 trillion in 2022 (7.1% of global GDP). Reform could cut emissions by 36% by 2025, prevent nearly one million premature deaths per year, and free up major fiscal resources. Carbon pricing and related tools are also noted.

• Universal energy access is achievable and affordable
  Achieving SDG 7.1 by 2030 requires around US$45 billion per year—less than 2% of global clean energy investment. Mini-grids, microgrids and standalone systems are key for communities where grid expansion is not feasible.

• Developing countries need better access to finance
  High capital costs slow energy transitions in lower- and middle-income countries. GEO-7 highlights the role of public finance in de-risking investments; targeted subsidies; concessional financing; guarantees; and development banks to improve financial flows.

• Energy efficiency and demand reduction deliver strong co-benefits
  Higher-efficiency appliances, compact urban design, and improved public and active transport can significantly reduce demand. Proven approaches include stricter standards, retrofit programmes, passive building design and support for heat pumps. Prioritising low-income populations is key for equitable access.

• Behavioural change and community action matter
  Behavioural programmes—from turning off unused equipment to using energy labels—can cut building energy demand by 5–30%. Renewable energy communities and social movements led by youth, Indigenous Peoples, women and civil society play important roles.

• Rapid decarbonisation is required to meet climate goals
  Limiting warming to 1.5°C requires 74–82% of primary energy and 97–99% of electricity to come from low- or zero-carbon sources by 2050. Grid investment must double to around US$600 billion per year by 2030. Hard-to-abate sectors will need advanced biofuels, green hydrogen, ammonia and methane.

• Carbon removal will still be needed, but must be managed carefully
  BECCS, biochar and direct air capture will help offset remaining emissions, but biomass-based options carry sustainability risks. GEO-7 calls for a portfolio approach that manages environmental trade-offs.

• Critical minerals bring environmental and social risks
  Demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths may rise fivefold by 2050. Many deposits lie in biodiversity hotspots or water-stressed regions, and 54% are on or near Indigenous territories. The report calls for stronger regulation, transparency, participatory decision-making and rights-based approaches.

• Clean energy can support biodiversity and resilience when well-designed
  Energy projects can either harm or support ecosystems. The report highlights nature-positive models—such as agrivoltaics and watershed hydropower—that ease land-use pressures and support climate adaptation, particularly for vulnerable populations.

• Energy sovereignty and Indigenous rights are central to a just transition
  GEO-7 emphasises self-determination and free, prior and informed consent. Policies supporting territorial rights, community monitoring, fair revenue distribution and labour protections can reduce inequities across mineral and energy value chains.