By Ted Nordhaus, Shaiyra Devi, and Alex Trembath
For
over two centuries, rising energy consumption powered by coal, oil,
natural gas, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy—combined with
modern agriculture, cities, and governance—has fueled a virtuous cycle
of socioeconomic development. It has enabled people in many parts of the
world to live longer, healthier, and more prosperous lives. Along with
these material gains have come liberalizing social values, the ability
to pursue more meaningful work, and environmental progress.
Yet
roughly two billion people have still not made the transition to modern
fuels and energy systems. These populations remain trapped in what we
call “the wood economy.” Living in the wood economy means relying on
wood, dung, and other basic bioenergy. In this economy, life choices are
extremely limited, labor is menial and backbreaking, and poverty is
endemic. There is little ability to produce wealth beyond what is
necessary to grow enough food to meet minimal nutritional needs.https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2016-08-30/debunking-microenergy
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