Developing Communities
In our developed nation, we often take energy for granted and all the downstream benefits that follow, including clean water, heating, and air conditioning, lighting, digital devices, and so much more. It doesn't seem like much to switch on a light in a dark room. However, an intricate process is involved in generating, transporting, and moderating that electricity that is costly. The energy grid in the United States alone is worth over 2 trillion dollars. Because of energy's high cost, over a billion people (15% of the global population) do not have access to electricity. Instead, they must rely on dangerous methods such as highly polluting cookstoves (powered by kerosene, wood, charcoal, and dung) or perilous fossil fuels. With access to affordable, clean, and renewable energies, they can see unprecedented leaps in their living standards and economy.
Before the industrial revolution, our energy needs were minimal. For heat, we relied on the sun - or made ourselves a wood fire for warmth and illuminating the dark. To get around, we relied on horses and wind in the sails that brought us around the world. And for work, we would employ animals for tasks that we weren't strong enough to do alone. But, as some areas of the world advanced, other areas remained the same, with 15% of the world having no access to the magic we know as electricity. This disparity in access to power leads to a discrepancy in their place in the world. Our new advantages put them in a position of weakness. To keep up, these communities use dirty fuels like kerosene, charcoal, and crude oil. They do not have the same processing and purification systems that make our fossil fuels "safer."
Consequently, many of these areas face significant pollution, both indoors and outside. As their electricity needs have risen, so has their toxic emissions. However, with the assistance of renewable energy, like solar and wind, these nations/communities/individuals can prosper as we have.
Electricity (Blue) and Poverty (Red) Correlations
Source: World Bank Data
With clean electricity, communities that typically rely on hazardous energy sources can drastically reduce their emissions, thus improving their wellbeing and personal success. For example, in a study done in the Philippines, it was determined that access to electricity added an estimated 1.82 years of education and a monthly benefit of $10.33. This seemingly small benefit is equivalent to an almost 20% income savings. Also, it freed time for women since they were not required to collect fuels (powering their cookstoves and "lights"). It even improved the productivity of home businesses. With more excellent education and a thriving business, it lifts many out of poverty and improves their quality of life.
Some may argue that electricity can not eliminate poverty. However, access to renewable energies (i.e., solar and wind) means the difference between having your day cut short at 6 pm or getting the chance to spend more time studying/working in the evenings. Research from Medium found that "Based on over 30,000 interactions, even a simple solar light enables households to save approximately 10% of their income and that people can spend these savings on important things, such as schooling, food, and livelihoods." Electricity may not be a panacea for poverty, but it certainly helps. One of the biggest challenges that underdeveloped communities face is the quality of life. Clean electricity can, at the very least, improve that.
The development of renewable energies in developing communities not only reduces emissions, improves health, and combats climate change, but also support the very people living there. By contributing to Carbon Offset Initiatives such as Light CO2, you not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but improve the quality of life for hundreds. With enough support, clean electricity will be available to all - and we might even eradicate poverty along the way.
