Renewable energy sources for arctic food sufficiency and sustainability

Abstract

One of the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), SDG 7, is to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.” This goal addresses the need for environmental sustainability while highlighting energy’s vital role in promoting social and economic justice. It calls for sustainable, affordable, modern, and reliable energy usage for the health and well-being of society while mitigating climate change. Here, we briefly review available literature and data to examine how renewable energy, food security, and sustainability are interconnected in Arctic countries and regions, and how these regions can “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” and progress towards achieving food self-sufficiency by integrating renewable energy sources into food production systems. We analyze several case studies to draw conclusions on how Arctic communities can become resilient, sustainable, and economically prosperous by promoting local food production while preserving cultural practices.