The wellbeing of the world’s people is inextricably tied to the wellbeing of our environment. When disaster strikes and resources are scarce, conflict often results. 

Sustainable Development Goal 16—”peace, justice, and strong institutions”—aims to reduce conflict and improve global cooperation. This includes everything from advancing diplomacy to collaborating on international climate policy. 

Solar energy is not only a result of this work, but also a catalyst. By expanding our global stock of renewable energy, especially in areas that currently lack reliable electricity, we can foster more peaceful and just societies. 

An Overview of Goal 16 

Sustainable Development Goal 16 strives to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies” that unlock justice for all and keep institutions accountable. In a divided society, some countries experience peace while others are trapped in endless cycles of violence. A more equitable future depends on our ability to work together as a global community and address the roots of conflict. 

Solar Energy for Peace 

Fossil fuels aren’t only harming our environment; they’re also interlinked with conflict at various levels. Some nations compete for control over oil-rich regions, while others that depend on imports risk having their supply cut. Corruption happens over income from fossil fuel exports. And all this fuels global tensions. 

These tensions impact two billion people who live in conflict-affected areas. By shifting towards solar energy, we’re rebuilding peace in several ways. 

• Energy independence. When countries produce their own energy, they stop depending on imports. This reduces conflict and ensures the energy security of a nation. Solar energy shines on every inch of the planet—and it never runs out. 

• Resilience. In the face of disaster, off-grid energy systems save lives. Solar panels can be deployed to power hospitals and communication centers, while maintaining water and food access. In remote communities, having access to electricity means responders arrive faster. 

• Equality. When people gain access to energy, they gain access to education, employment, and basic services. That’s the first step to a peaceful society—opportunity. A lightbulb, a clean cookstove, and a water pump is just the beginning. 

Solar Energy for Justice 

Goal 16 advocates for everyone to be treated equally, based on ethical and moral principles. By promoting justice, we can resolve conflicts, protect individual rights, and maintain social order. The sun empowers this value in three key ways. 

• Environmental justice. Marginalized populations face the deepest burdens of our climate crisis. Individuals living in poverty experience the impacts of pollution and waste at dangerous levels. Shifting our energy sources to solar eliminates the causes of environmental hazards, such as greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Social justice. One billion people lack access to electricity. That leads to inequalities in resources, opportunities, and rights. Solar energy makes life fairer in remote areas. By powering health centers, schools, businesses, and communities, accessible energy enables people to thrive. 

• Advocacy. When everyone has a say in energy planning, possibilities come alive. To make that happen, communities first need platforms to communicate and learn about essential issues. Combining solar power with internet access lays the foundation. 

Solar Energy and Strong Institutions 

Every courthouse needs a light, right? And possibly internet, heating, and security systems. It’s hard to imagine an institution that doesn’t use energy. 

But energy access depends on institutions just the same, like how crops depend on irrigation systems to stay hydrated. Strong institutions create policies and financing that enable clean energy for developing countries. Their support is vital to ending energy poverty by 2030. 

Looking Forward: Solar Energy for Peace and Justice 

Conflict is complex. It holds many causes, from humans to climate. It influences many outcomes, like displacement and pollution. But one thing is clear: Conflict happens when inequality is unchecked. 

Solar energy is a grand equalizer. It allows children to receive schooling and adults to pursue careers. It allows cities to access resources and provide services. It keeps nations running. It’s necessary to fulfill Goal 16—a peaceful and just world for all.