Access to Energy
812 views · Published 30 May 2012 · 0:33 · Indexed 3 October 2026
Channel: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) · 2012 · Nonprofits & Activism
Energy is central to many economic, social and environmental concerns facing the world today. Lack of access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy services contributes to a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty and problems of health, gender inequity and environmental degradation. Globally, 1.3 billion people still lack access to electricity and 2.7 billion rely on solid fuels for cooking and heating. Almost 1.5 million people, mainly women, die annually from indoor air pollution caused by kitchen smoke. Lack of access to modern energy means using polluting kerosene lamps for illumination, suffering lengthy exposure to harmful smoke and fumes, and often ending the productive day at sundown. Developing countries need reliable access to modern energy if they are to achieve economic growth, reduce poverty and improve the health of their citizens. Investment in modern energy is indispensable for a prosperous and sustainable future. UNDP is helping people gain access to modern energy for the Future We Want.
