
Energy as it Relates to Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Protection (UNDP; 1998; 36 pages)
	Poverty and Environment Initiative Publications
	Preface
	Introduction
	Key Energy Issues as They Relate to Poverty and Environment
		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
		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
		Improved cookstoves and modern fuels
		Rural electrification - decentralised options
		Improved urban transportation
		Modernised biomass
	Conclusions
	References

Energy as it Relates to Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Protection

Ellen Morris
Energy and Atmosphere Programme, UNDP
and
Sudhir Chella Rajan
Energy and Environment Consultant