Global Energy Poverty | Dr. Scott Tinker

Affordable, reliable energy underpins modern economies and has led to unprecedented economic growth and human advancement. Yet 1/3 of the global population either lacks access to, or cannot afford, modern energy, which impacts basic needs such as housing, clothing, food and water. But energy poverty has deeper impacts as well: education, immigration and migration, rights and freedom of women, health care and more. Further, healthy economies, underpinned by secure energy systems, have the capacity to invest in the environment, whereas poor economies do not. Undrinkable water, depleted soils, local air pollution and more are hallmarks of impoverished economies. Unfortunately, no form of energy is without significant environmental impact: some atmospheric emissions, others extensive mining and landfill disposal. Thus, a sustainable energy transition involves maintaining and building healthy economies, lifting all humans from poverty, while also minimizing the environmental impacts of all forms of energy.