Energy Poverty in Context of Climate Change: What Are the Possible Impacts of Improved Modern Energy Access on Adaptation Capacity of Communities?

Abstract

Abstract-Previously listed possible synergies between energy poverty and climate actions have been mostly addressing either climate change mitigation benefits of reducing ambient air pollutants or benefits of increased deep energy-efficiency and energy conservation through better technologies. This paper, however, analyses implications of access to modern energy on environmental and human wellbeing from the perspective of adaptation to climate change and argues for another additional synergy between two seemingly separate issues; the impacts of improved access to modern energy services on the households' resilience to climate stress. This argument is illustrated through describing energy poverty situation and climate vulnerability of Mongolia, a lower middle income country in Northern-east Asia. Which is then followed by identification of possible direct benefits of modern energy services on improved human, financial and natural capital -crucial determinants of adaptive capacity of households to climatic disruptions.

Coping with Energy Poverty: Measurements, Drivers, Impacts, and Solutions

“…Trinomics [41] Climate change Sumiya [57] A household that is poorly insulated and has energy losses, uses older equipment and domestic appliances, has inefficient heating system or has damages and leaks, is energy inefficient and is more likely to be energy poor, which shows that a household's energy inefficiency is a potential energy poverty driver [32,55]. A higher number of rooms can have an impact on the household's ability to keep the dwelling adequately warm [32].…”

“…Climate conditions in each area can determine the energy demand for a dwelling's heating and cooling and thus affect energy poverty, although some studies for the EU pointed out that Southern European countries face higher levels of energy poverty, despite their milder climate, due to inefficient housing and heating systems and economic recession [41]. In addition, changes in climatic conditions (climate change) could lead to energy poverty, since they cause natural disasters, changes in energy needs and energy demand, and changes in energy service prices [57] (Table 10).…”

Powering Development in Climate Vulnerable Areas: The Role of Decentralized Solar Solutions in India

“…Others argue that poor people are more likely to not have access to electricity and therefore are less equipped to cope with climate events (Scott et al 2017), leading to enhanced vulnerability. A few studies focus specifically on how electrically powered activities, such as using ICTs for better warning systems (Sumiya 2016) or electricity-powered equipment for diversified livelihoods (Murphy and Corbyn 2013), contribute to building resilience.…”

Beyond the Energy Poor/Non Energy Poor Divide: Energy Vulnerability and Mindsets on Energy Generation Modes in Hungary

“…The social and environmental aspects of energy use are interlinked. Energy poor households can be especially exposed to the effects of climate change, such as extreme cold or hot conditions [9,10]. Wealthier population groups have better means to tackle such changes, while some forms of individual adaptation (e.g., air conditioning) may exacerbate the problem.…”

“…Residential energy consumption is contingent on the interplay of various factors, including socio-demographic factors (such as gender, socio-economic status, income, dwelling characteristics, and location), psychological and sociopsychological factors (such as knowledge, awareness, values, beliefs, attitudes, motives, goals, and internalised norms) and contextual and structural factors (such as laws, regulations and policies, available technology as well as information) [9,[16][17][18][19].…”