Energy poverty has many negative implications. Many
efforts are focused on bringing energy to individual’s homes, meanwhile schools
and health centers are being overlooked. It was estimated that more than 291
million children in developing countries go to a school that does not have access
to electricity. This means that kids are faced with the challenge of sitting in
cold, damp and poorly ventilated rooms. It is not unheard of for teachers to
keep windows open during the cold season in order to allow the natural sunlight
to fill the classroom. Going to a school that does not have electricity is
problematic in more ways than one and it hinders the children’s ability to get
a proper education—which is particularly important in developing countries.
Another area that is greatly impacted by energy poverty is healthcare. Over 1
billion people in developing countries do not have access to adequate medical
facilities. Many health centers are doing their best to make due without a
proper supply of energy but it is a constant struggle. For example, in Kenya it
is said that only 25% of facilities have a reliable energy supply. Additionally,
it is common for health centers to experience blackouts that last several
hours. Unfortunately, purchasing a generator is often out of the question due
to the fact that they are so expensive. Lack of energy makes it difficult for
doctors to do their jobs; delivering babies in dark rooms is a common
occurrence. Furthermore, when the power goes out there are still medical
instruments that need to be sterilized and there are vaccines that need to be
kept in a cool environment. Energy poverty is serious and many people, young
and old, are directly impacted by it. It is up to the developed nations to step
in and assist these people in need.
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