Energy Economics: A Place for Energy Poverty in the Agenda?

Abstract

The global energy system faces three major strategic challenges in the coming decades: the growing risk of disruptions to energy supply; the threat of environmental damage caused by energy production and use; and persistent energy poverty. The first two challenges have attracted a lot of attention from the energy-economics community, much less so the need to address the problem of energy under-development. On current trends, the number of people in poor countries relying primarily on traditional biomass for their energy needs will continue to rise, while the number lacking access to electricity will barely fall. To change this course, decisive policy action is needed urgently as part of the broader process of human development. Meeting basic human needs, such as food and shelter, must be at the heart of any strategy to alleviate poverty. Modern energy services help enable those needs to be met. In practice, concrete improvements in human welfare can be realised quickly at modest short-term cost. Strong political will and commitment on the part of the governments of the world's poorest countries will be crucial. Rich industrialised countries have an important role to play in this process too. In addition to moral issues involved, we have obvious long-term economic, political and energy-security interests in helping developing countries along the path to energy development. The cost of providing assistance to poor countries may turn out to be far less than that of dealing with the instability and insecurity that poverty creates.It was an exceptional honour for me to accept the IAEE's Outstanding Contribution to the Profession Award in 2005 and to be included on the list of esteemed economists who have received this award in the past.

Comunicación ambiental y proyectos energéticos renovables no convencionales. Análisis de contenido en medios de comunicación de masa chilenos

“…En este sentido, es importante destacar la creciente criticidad que va adquiriendo la política energética como objetivo clave dentro de los esfuerzos globales hacia trayectorias de desarrollo más sustentable (Naciones Unidas 2015) y en consideración de los múltiples desafíos relacionados con la seguridad de suministro, la desigualdad en el acceso al energía y su impactos medioambientales (AGECC 2010, Birol 2007, IPCC 2012. En Chile, tal como ocurre en muchos otros Países, la energía representa el sector que tiene mayor impacto en términos de emisiones de Gases Efecto Invernadero [GEI], principal factor causal del cambio climático (MAPS Chile, 2014).…”

The Diminishing Returns to the 2010 Human Development Index: Implications for Climate Policy and Sustainable Development

“…The exploitation of inexpensive fossil fuels has historically been the foundation of the industrial and agricultural revolutions, which enabled remarkable increases in the standard of living for hundreds of millions people. On the other hand, countries with poor access to modern energy resources remain in poverty; over 1.6 billion people (almost one third of humanity) have no electricity and consequently lack essential energy services for schools, health centers and income generation (Birol, 2007). In fact, no country consuming the energy equivalent to 750 kg of oil per year per capita achieves an average life expectancy of over 75 years (World Bank, 2011).…”

Biomass fuel use, burning technique and reasons for the denial of improved cooking stoves by Forest User Groups of Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, Bangladesh

“…The situation remains more vulnerable in developing countries where nearly 2 out of 5 people are under energy-poverty (Birol 2007). It entails these people rely on biomass fuels such as woods, branches, agricultural residues and animal (cattle) dung to meet all their cooking and heating energy needs.…”

“…It entails these people rely on biomass fuels such as woods, branches, agricultural residues and animal (cattle) dung to meet all their cooking and heating energy needs. Currently, 2.5 billion people-40% of the world's population-rely on such traditional fuels (Birol 2007). …”