The Energy Debate

The book at hand ties up the most vital issues of the 21st Century: on one hand environmental degradation, and on the other our energy consumption that inflicts the former. The emphasis is on developing countries, as their energy consumption per capita is projected to rapidly grow. But what consequences does this bare for the environment, if several billion people enjoy the same standard of living as the reader and myself? The country perspectives of both South Africa and India are taken into consideration, as the book is comprised of two individual term papers from the Global Studies Program (GSP). For instance, currently, roughly 40% of India's 1.1 billion population have access to electricity. Already, this level of electricity consumption has significant ramifications for both the local and global climate. Henceforth, the assertion of energy crises seems to be justified, not only from the often debated constraints from the supply side; moreover, the increase in demand in developing countries needs to be considered as well. The author strongly advocates access to modern forms of energy for the poor, as this is one of the key pillars for economic growth and poverty alleviation. Essentially, the book addresses the need for the provision of affordable energy, and this needs to be accomplished in an environmentally sustainable manner. Thus, the book has been written for policy and decision makers, the development community, academia as well as the interested public.