INTRODUCTION

Unsustainable patterns of energy use are harming the local and global environment. Global climate change is already making itself felt, from the thinning of the Arctic ice cap to the retreat of glaciers across the world, as well as in the emerging link between climate change and the increase in extreme weather events. At the same time access to safe and effective energy remains largely out of reach in many developing countries. Some two billion people, one-third of the world's population, rely almost completely on traditional energy sources, and are unable to take advantage of modern forms of energy, such as electricity, that are taken for granted in the developed world. For instance, in most of sub-Saharan Africa the electrification rate is as low as ten percent, falling even further in rural areas.

Energy consumption in developing countries, although growing rapidly, remains low in absolute terms (see Table 12.1). Access to modern energy for the poor will not be achieved without massive additional investment, which so far seems unforthcoming. Although the developing country share of energy consumption is low, it is set to grow dramatically – according to some calculations, from thirty percent in 2000 to forty-three percent in 2030 – with long-term consequences for sustainable development. Two important points can be made about the link between energy production and use and sustainable development. The first is the importance of adequate energy services for satisfying basic human needs, improving social welfare, and achieving economic development.