The energy debate

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The book addresses critical 21st-century issues: environmental degradation and the energy consumption that drives it, particularly in developing countries where per capita energy use is expected to rise sharply. It explores the implications of billions of people potentially achieving a standard of living similar to that of the reader, focusing on South Africa and India through two term papers from the Global Studies Program. Currently, about 40% of India's 1.1 billion population has access to electricity, and this consumption level already impacts local and global climates significantly. The discussion extends beyond supply-side constraints to include the rising demand in developing nations, justifying concerns about energy crises. The author advocates for access to modern energy sources for the impoverished, emphasizing that this access is crucial for economic growth and poverty alleviation. The book highlights the necessity of providing affordable energy in an environmentally sustainable manner, making it relevant for policymakers, the development community, academia, and the general public.