Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the topic of renewable energy and its role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve crafted this comprehensive practice test to help you enhance your reading skills while exploring this crucial global issue.
Renewable Energy and UN Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
In today’s IELTS Reading practice, we’ll delve into how renewable energy contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This topic is not only relevant for your IELTS preparation but also provides valuable insights into one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Reading Passage 1 (Easy Text)
The Promise of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of sustainable development. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and harmful to the environment, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower offer a clean and inexhaustible supply of power. These sustainable alternatives are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable in the long term.
The United Nations has recognized the pivotal role of renewable energy in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted in 2015, the SDGs represent a global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Among these 17 ambitious goals, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy directly addresses the need for universal access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services.
Renewable energy technologies have made significant strides in recent years, becoming increasingly efficient and cost-effective. Solar panels, for instance, have seen a dramatic decrease in production costs, making them more accessible to communities around the world. Wind turbines have grown in size and capacity, harnessing more energy from the air currents. Innovations in energy storage systems have also addressed the intermittency issues associated with some renewable sources.
The transition to renewable energy not only combats climate change but also creates new economic opportunities. The renewable energy sector has become a major employer, offering jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of clean energy infrastructure. This shift aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, fostering sustainable economic development while reducing environmental impact.
Moreover, renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 13: Climate Action. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy sources help mitigate the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. The adoption of renewable technologies in developing countries can leapfrog traditional fossil fuel-dependent development paths, enabling sustainable growth without compromising environmental integrity.
As we progress towards a more sustainable future, the synergy between renewable energy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals becomes increasingly apparent. The transition to clean energy sources is not just an environmental imperative but a catalyst for social and economic development on a global scale.
Questions 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1? Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- Renewable energy sources are limited and will eventually run out.
- The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals were established in 2015.
- Solar panel production costs have increased in recent years.
- The renewable energy sector provides employment opportunities.
- All 17 SDGs directly address renewable energy.
- Renewable energy helps in achieving SDG 13: Climate Action.
- Developing countries cannot adopt renewable technologies due to high costs.
Questions 8-13
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are considered __ and __ to the environment.
- SDG 7 focuses on ensuring universal access to __, sustainable, and modern energy services.
- Wind turbines have improved by increasing in __ and __.
- The issue of __ in some renewable energy sources has been addressed by advancements in energy storage systems.
- The renewable energy sector offers jobs in manufacturing, __, and maintenance.
- Adopting renewable technologies allows developing countries to avoid traditional __ development paths.
Reading Passage 2 (Medium Text)
Renewable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development
The global shift towards renewable energy sources is not merely a technological transition; it represents a fundamental reimagining of our relationship with energy production and consumption. This paradigm shift aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering a multifaceted approach to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
At the heart of this transformation is SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. The renewable energy sector has made remarkable progress towards this goal, with technological advancements driving down costs and improving efficiency. Photovoltaic cells, for instance, have seen a dramatic reduction in price, making solar energy increasingly competitive with fossil fuels. Similarly, innovations in wind turbine design have led to higher capacity factors, enabling wind farms to generate more electricity from the same wind resources.
The impact of renewable energy extends far beyond SDG 7, contributing significantly to several other goals. SDG 13: Climate Action is perhaps the most obvious beneficiary, as the transition to clean energy sources is crucial in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions, and renewable energy plays a pivotal role in this effort.
Moreover, the renewable energy sector has become a major driver of economic growth and job creation, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector employed over 11 million people globally in 2018, with this number expected to rise significantly in the coming years. These jobs span a wide range of skill levels and disciplines, from research and development to manufacturing and installation.
The decentralized nature of many renewable energy technologies also contributes to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Off-grid solar systems and small-scale wind turbines can bring electricity to remote and underserved communities, bridging the energy divide between urban and rural areas. This access to clean energy can catalyze local economic development, improve educational opportunities, and enhance healthcare services.
Renewable energy also plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Solar-powered water pumps and desalination plants offer sustainable solutions for water access in arid regions. These technologies can operate in remote locations without the need for extensive infrastructure, making them ideal for addressing water scarcity in developing countries.
The synergies between renewable energy and sustainable agriculture contribute to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Solar-powered irrigation systems can increase crop yields while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, biogas digesters can convert agricultural waste into clean energy and organic fertilizer, promoting a circular economy in rural communities.
However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. Intermittency issues, grid integration, and the need for energy storage solutions remain significant hurdles. Additionally, the material intensity of renewable technologies raises concerns about the sustainability of resource extraction and the end-of-life management of components.
Despite these challenges, the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable development is undeniable. As technologies continue to improve and costs decrease, the synergies between clean energy and the SDGs will only grow stronger. The global community must work together to accelerate this transition, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are equitably distributed and aligned with the broader goals of sustainable development.
Questions 14-20
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, the shift towards renewable energy represents:
A) A purely technological change
B) A fundamental change in our approach to energy
C) A short-term solution to energy problems
D) A challenge to the United Nations’ goals -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of renewable energy in relation to the SDGs?
A) Combating climate change
B) Creating job opportunities
C) Reducing international conflicts
D) Improving access to clean water -
The passage suggests that the renewable energy sector:
A) Only creates high-skilled jobs
B) Employs fewer people than traditional energy sectors
C) Provides jobs across various skill levels and disciplines
D) Is expected to see a decline in employment -
How does renewable energy contribute to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities?
A) By providing cheaper energy to urban areas
B) By creating more jobs in cities
C) By bringing electricity to remote communities
D) By reducing the cost of fossil fuels -
According to the passage, solar-powered water pumps:
A) Are too expensive for developing countries
B) Can only operate in urban areas
C) Require extensive infrastructure
D) Offer sustainable solutions for water access in arid regions -
The synergy between renewable energy and sustainable agriculture is demonstrated by:
A) The use of fossil fuels in farming
B) Solar-powered irrigation systems
C) Increased use of chemical fertilizers
D) Reduction in crop yields -
What challenge facing renewable energy is mentioned in the passage?
A) Lack of public support
B) High operational costs
C) Intermittency issues
D) Limited global potential
Questions 21-26
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The transition to renewable energy aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 7 focuses on providing (21) __ and clean energy for all. Technological advancements have led to cost reductions in (22) __, making solar energy more competitive. Wind turbines have also improved, achieving higher (23) __.
Renewable energy contributes to multiple SDGs, including Climate Action (SDG 13) by reducing (24) __ emissions. The sector also drives economic growth and job creation, supporting SDG 8. Off-grid systems can bring electricity to (25) __ communities, addressing SDG 10. In agriculture, (26) __ can convert waste into clean energy and fertilizer, promoting a circular economy.
Reading Passage 3 (Hard Text)
Renewable Energy: Catalyzing Global Sustainability
The inexorable rise of renewable energy technologies is reshaping the global energy landscape, offering a promising pathway towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paradigm shift in energy production and consumption is not merely a technological transition; it represents a fundamental reimagining of our relationship with the environment, economy, and society at large.
The cornerstone of this transformation is SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services by 2030. The renewable energy sector has made remarkable strides towards this goal, with technological advancements driving unprecedented cost reductions and efficiency improvements. Photovoltaic modules, for instance, have experienced a staggering 99% reduction in cost since 1976, making solar energy increasingly competitive with conventional fossil fuels. Similarly, wind turbine technology has evolved rapidly, with larger rotor diameters and taller towers enabling the capture of stronger, more consistent wind resources at higher altitudes.
The impact of renewable energy extends far beyond SDG 7, synergistically contributing to multiple sustainability objectives. SDG 13: Climate Action is perhaps the most evident beneficiary, as the transition to clean energy sources is crucial in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating anthropogenic climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a target that necessitates a rapid and far-reaching transition in energy systems.
Moreover, the renewable energy sector has emerged as a significant driver of economic growth and employment, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2019, with this figure projected to reach 42 million by 2050 under an energy transition scenario aligned with climate goals. These jobs span a diverse range of skills and disciplines, from research and development to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, offering opportunities for both high-skilled and low-skilled workers.
The decentralized nature of many renewable energy technologies contributes significantly to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Off-grid solar systems and small-scale wind turbines can bring electricity to remote and underserved communities, bridging the energy divide between urban and rural areas. This democratization of energy access can catalyze local economic development, improve educational outcomes, and enhance healthcare services in marginalized communities.
Renewable energy also plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Solar-powered water pumps and desalination plants offer sustainable solutions for water access in water-stressed regions. These technologies can operate in remote locations without the need for extensive grid infrastructure, making them ideal for addressing water scarcity in developing countries. Furthermore, the water-energy nexus highlights the interdependence of these resources, with renewable energy offering more sustainable approaches to water management and treatment.
The synergies between renewable energy and sustainable agriculture contribute to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Solar-powered irrigation systems can increase crop yields while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of erratic rainfall patterns exacerbated by climate change. Additionally, anaerobic digestion technologies can convert agricultural waste into biogas and organic fertilizer, promoting a circular economy in rural communities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste decomposition.
However, the transition to renewable energy is not without challenges. Intermittency issues associated with variable renewable energy sources necessitate advancements in energy storage technologies and smart grid systems. The material intensity of renewable technologies raises concerns about the sustainability of resource extraction and the end-of-life management of components, highlighting the need for circular economy approaches in the renewable energy sector.
Furthermore, the geopolitical implications of the energy transition are profound. As countries strive to secure access to critical minerals necessary for renewable technologies, new geopolitical dynamics are emerging. The shift away from fossil fuels is reshaping global power structures, potentially alleviating conflicts related to oil and gas resources while creating new challenges in the management of renewable energy supply chains.
Despite these challenges, the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable development is undeniable. As technologies continue to evolve and costs decrease, the synergies between clean energy and the SDGs will only grow stronger. The global community must work collaboratively to accelerate this transition, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are equitably distributed and aligned with the broader goals of sustainable development.
Ultimately, the renewable energy revolution represents more than a technological shift; it is a catalyst for transformative change across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world for future generations, embodying the spirit and ambition of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Questions 27-32
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, the cost reduction in photovoltaic modules since 1976 has been:
A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 90%
D) 99% -
The IPCC emphasizes the need to limit global warming to:
A) 1.0°C above pre-industrial levels
B) 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
C) 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels
D) 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels -
By 2050, IRENA projects that the renewable energy sector will employ:
A) 11.5 million people
B) 25 million people
C) 42 million people
D) 50 million people -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of off-grid renewable energy systems?
A) Bringing electricity to remote communities
B) Improving educational outcomes
C) Enhancing healthcare services
D) Reducing urban population growth -
The passage suggests that the water-energy nexus highlights:
A) The competition between water and energy resources
B) The independence of water and energy systems
C) The interdependence of water and energy resources
D) The abundance of both water and energy resources -
According to the passage, which of the following is a challenge in the transition to renewable energy?
A) Decreasing efficiency of renewable technologies
B) Lack of public support for renewable energy
C) Intermittency issues with variable renewable sources
D) Increasing costs of renewable energy production
Questions 33-37
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
-
The reduction in cost of photovoltaic modules has made solar energy more __ with fossil fuels.
-
Wind turbine technology has evolved to capture stronger winds at __ through larger rotor diameters and taller towers.
-
The IPCC emphasizes the need for a __ transition in energy systems to combat climate change.
-
Solar-powered irrigation systems can help mitigate the impacts of __ exacerbated by climate change.
-
The __ of renewable technologies raises concerns about resource extraction and end-of-life management.