The problem of global energy inequity, explained by American refrigerators - Voxhttps://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23106061/energy-inequity-world-electricity-american-refrigeratorsMany of the world’s poorest countries don’t have the energy they need to thrive and survive in a warming world. The world needs to prioritize how to get much higher levels of energy to these countries.
Energy access is a foundational component of development, yet many people across Africa and Asia don’t have the energy they need to thrive — and even survive — in a warming world. To Americans, living in 110°F heat without air conditioning is almost unthinkable, but for billions of people around the world, cooling is an unaffordable luxury due to poverty and the lack of access to reliable electricity.
Energy poverty pervades all areas of life and makes people reliant on suboptimal sources of power, like burning coal or biomass. It’s a major cause of health issues. Indoor air pollution leads to an estimated 3.8 million premature deaths each year.
Even in areas where there isn’t as much risk of illness and death from heat, someone without reliable energy access won’t have regular lighting to study at night, won’t have a smartphone to gain access to new farming techniques and markets, won’t be able to prevent food spoilage at home.
There are of course climate and carbon trade-offs involved in expanding energy access, but as renewable energy becomes more widespread and affordable, it’s becoming increasingly possible to balance growth with sustainability.