Around the world, more than 1 billion people lack access to electricity, concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Improving access to clean and affordable energy services for these populations will be a critical driver for poverty reduction as well as improved health and social outcomes.

Two-thirds of Americans favor increased government spending to develop solar and wind power, and spending more to develop alternative fuels for cars has the same level of support.

Energy from renewable resources—wind, water, the sun, biomass and geothermal energy—is inexhaustible and clean.

The costs of technologies to capture that energy are rapidly falling and becoming economically competitive with fossil fuels, while reducing the risk of climate change. Investing in renewable energy creates jobs, fosters economic growth, and improves energy security for countries that lack domestic fossil fuel resources.

In 2014, major debates and discussions surrounding climate change and green living in the United States has placed an unprecedented focus on renewable energy. The future growth in the renewable energy sector is slated to be significant as American’s make an effort to minimize their energy footprint on Earth.

What will it take to meet the Sustainable Energy for All goals for energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency by 2030?

The Global Tracking Initiative combines the work of 15 international organizations to show where the world is today in energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, and how far it needs to go to meet the 2030 goals.