Access to safe water is vital for human well-being. While progress has been made, millions still lack basic water services. Energy plays a key role in expanding water access, powering machinery, pumps, and purification systems. Increasing energy use per capita improves access to clean water, but the impact diminishes at higher energy levels.
Energy use and economic output are interconnected. Wealthier countries typically have higher energy consumption per person, contributing to their higher GDP per capita. However, various factors such as economic structure, geography, lifestyle, and public policy also influence energy consumption.
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include SDG7, which aims to ensure affordable and sustainable energy for all. The share of global population with access to electricity has increased to 90% in 2022, yet around 800 million people are still without access, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Various factors influence access to electricity, impacting income and well-being.
The transition to clean energy brings life-changing benefits like clean cooking services. Clean cooking uses gaseous fuels and electricity, reducing harmful emissions. However, 2.3 billion people still use polluting fuels, leading to millions of deaths annually. Access to clean cooking varies by country income and location. While global access has increased, challenges remain in many countries.
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, health, education, inequality, economic growth, climate change, and environmental conservation. SDG 7 focuses on providing affordable, sustainable, and clean energy for all. The World Health Organization sets benchmarks for “clean” cooking, favoring efficient and low-emission technologies while discouraging the use of polluting fuels.
The Gini coefficient assesses income inequality globally, with values ranging from 0 to 1. The impact of energy use per capita on inequality diminishes after reaching 30 GJ. In Europe, there is a pattern of high energy use and low inequality. However, as countries develop, increased energy use doesn’t consistently translate to reduced income inequality.
The Social Progress Index (SPI) measures a nation’s overall well-being beyond GDP, with 12 components and 60 indicators. Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have lower SPI rankings, while Canada, North European countries, Japan, and Australia consistently score high. Energy use affects SPI, but higher consumption doesn’t always lead to greater social progress.
While higher incomes generally lead to greater life satisfaction, it’s not a guarantee. People in countries with high life satisfaction tend to use more energy, which can enhance comfort and mobility. Modest increases in energy use can significantly improve life satisfaction, but there are diminishing returns at higher levels.
Energy is essential for education, enabling longer study hours, technological advancements, and improved outcomes. While access to education has improved globally, certain regions still face challenges. Increasing energy access, particularly electricity, positively impacts education.
Weatherization offers energy and non-energy benefits to households. It involves insulating homes, installing energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy bills. Non-energy benefits include improved health outcomes, such as reduced thermal stress and asthma symptoms. However, challenges like deferred assistance, low coverage, and bias against renters limit the program’s impact.
Access to safe water is vital for human well-being. While progress has been made, millions still lack basic water services. Energy plays a key role in expanding water access, powering machinery, pumps, and purification systems. Increasing energy use per capita improves access to clean water, but the impact diminishes at higher energy levels.
Energy use and economic output are interconnected. Wealthier countries typically have higher energy consumption per person, contributing to their higher GDP per capita. However, various factors such as economic structure, geography, lifestyle, and public policy also influence energy consumption.
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include SDG7, which aims to ensure affordable and sustainable energy for all. The share of global population with access to electricity has increased to 90% in 2022, yet around 800 million people are still without access, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Various factors influence access to electricity, impacting income and well-being.
The transition to clean energy brings life-changing benefits like clean cooking services. Clean cooking uses gaseous fuels and electricity, reducing harmful emissions. However, 2.3 billion people still use polluting fuels, leading to millions of deaths annually. Access to clean cooking varies by country income and location. While global access has increased, challenges remain in many countries.
The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, health, education, inequality, economic growth, climate change, and environmental conservation. SDG 7 focuses on providing affordable, sustainable, and clean energy for all. The World Health Organization sets benchmarks for “clean” cooking, favoring efficient and low-emission technologies while discouraging the use of polluting fuels.
The Gini coefficient assesses income inequality globally, with values ranging from 0 to 1. The impact of energy use per capita on inequality diminishes after reaching 30 GJ. In Europe, there is a pattern of high energy use and low inequality. However, as countries develop, increased energy use doesn’t consistently translate to reduced income inequality.
The Social Progress Index (SPI) measures a nation’s overall well-being beyond GDP, with 12 components and 60 indicators. Nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East have lower SPI rankings, while Canada, North European countries, Japan, and Australia consistently score high. Energy use affects SPI, but higher consumption doesn’t always lead to greater social progress.
While higher incomes generally lead to greater life satisfaction, it’s not a guarantee. People in countries with high life satisfaction tend to use more energy, which can enhance comfort and mobility. Modest increases in energy use can significantly improve life satisfaction, but there are diminishing returns at higher levels.
Energy is essential for education, enabling longer study hours, technological advancements, and improved outcomes. While access to education has improved globally, certain regions still face challenges. Increasing energy access, particularly electricity, positively impacts education.
Weatherization offers energy and non-energy benefits to households. It involves insulating homes, installing energy-efficient systems, and reducing energy bills. Non-energy benefits include improved health outcomes, such as reduced thermal stress and asthma symptoms. However, challenges like deferred assistance, low coverage, and bias against renters limit the program’s impact.