Energy as it relates to Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Protection (UNDP, 1998, 36 p.): Conclusions

Energy as it relates to Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Protection (UNDP, 1998, 36 p.)

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Poverty and Environment Initiative Publications

Preface

Introduction

Key Energy Issues as They Relate to Poverty and Environment

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Inefficient and environmentally harmful energy use

First-cost effect generates poverty-energy-environment lock-in

For the poorest of the poor, small improvements in commercial energy services produce large welfare benefits

Conventional energy paradigm contributes to perpetuation of poverty

Environmental problems such as urban air pollution and climate change affect people living in poverty more directly due to current patterns of energy usage

Urban air pollution

Climate Change

Inordinate expenditure on energy

Designing Sustainable Energy1 Policies for Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Protection

Remaining Challenges

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Subsidies for conventional fuels distort the markets

Pricing does not reflect externalities

Theft and pilferage

Outmoded policy

Lack of coordination in decision-making

Lobbies supporting conventional energy

Lack of information

Lack of skills

Lack of initiative

Examples of Sustainable Energy Strategies that Simultaneously Address Poverty and Environment Concerns

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Improved cookstoves and modern fuels

Rural electrification - decentralised options

Improved urban transportation

Modernised biomass

Conclusions

References

Conclusions

Conventional energy strategies for the most part have failed to help meet the basic human needs of the poor majority. Yet numerous opportunities are available for meeting basic needs at much lower energy consumption levels than has traditionally been the case. By using the most efficient technologies available today, and focusing increasingly on renewable sources of energy, the level of energy services can be increased considerably. Those increased services are essential for meeting basic human needs and in the process alleviating poverty and protecting the environment.

For people living in poverty, the first priority is the satisfaction of such basic human needs as access to jobs, food, health services, education, housing, running water, sanitation, etc. Energy plays an important role in providing for these needs. Although low energy consumption is not a cause of poverty, the lack of available energy services correlates closely with many poverty indicators. Addressing the problems of poverty requires addressing its many dimensions - poor education, bad health care, inadequate sanitation, etc. Addressing these issues involves increasing the level of energy services rather then the quantity of energy supply.

Developing countries have the most to gain from a sustainable energy future.

Those people living in poverty are the most vulnerable to the negative environmental effects of current energy development and would benefit the most in terms of social and economic development from a sustainable energy future. Improved energy services are needed but are not sufficient on their own to reach sustainable development goals. Energy activities can affect the goals of poverty and environment in profound ways, and a shift in the existing energy supply paradigm must occur towards measures that support sustainable development and sustainable energy.