Energy, development and security - Energy issues in the current macroeconomic context |
Jan 2009
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Current energy systems are failing to meet the needs of the world’s poor. Worldwide, 2.6 billion people rely on traditional biomass for cooking and 1.6 billion people – about a quarter of the human race - do not have access to electricity. The projected cumulative investment required between 2005 and 2030 to meet energy needs is almost US$20.1 trillion, but even if this investment is secured over the next thirty years, 1.4 billion people will still lack access to electricity in 2030 and 2.7 billion will still rely on traditional biomass for cooking and heating.
At its October 2008 session, the UN Chief Executives Board discussed the many dimensions of this complex issue. The paper reproduced here was prepared at my request by the Director-General of UNIDO, in his capacity as Chair of UN-Energy, and stimulated a lively session. I recommend it to Member States and to a wide global audience.
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