Poor people's energy outlook 2012

Mar 2012

This second edition of the Poor people’s energy outlook (PPEO) shines a spotlight on energy access and its impact on the ability of the world’s poorest people to earn a decent living. Its release is timely as 2012 marks the UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, and the injustice of energy poverty is rising up the international agenda. The PPEO argues that where poor people have the sustainable energy access needed to grow enterprise activities small and large, it becomes possible to escape the vicious cycle of poverty. Encouragingly more and more people and organizations are realizing this potential and joining the movement for change on energy access. This movement has as its focus the UN’s goal of universal energy access by 2030 – a target that we believe can be met. Universal energy access would create a step change in poverty reduction in the developing world and help billions out of the darkness and drudgery so many are forced to endure on a daily basis. Without a change of course, by 2030 the total number of people without access
to electricity will still be almost 900 million, 3 billion will cook on traditional fuels, and 30 million people will have died of smoke-related diseases.
Energy access may at times seem like a ‘technical’ issue, but its consequences are very human indeed.

By: Practical Action

 
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