An Increase in Temperature

The news of the increase in global temperature seems to be old news, with the reported increase being 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit over the last one hundred and fifty years. What’s to blame for this increase? According to the American Geophysical Union, it’s the way that we humans today continue to use and pump out fossil fuels. 

Why does this matter?

An increase in temperature will “place significant stress on terrestrial ecosystems around the world, and many species will need to make… adaptations to survive” (Mountain View Patch).

What does this have to do with energy poverty?

There are about 2.5 billion people that don’t have access to modern energy. This can more than likely leave them a lot more vulnerable to things like weather disasters. A means of remedying this would be to help give these people access to some modern means of energy that they can use for lighting, cooking, transportation, etc. and allow them to have a fighting chance when it comes to surviving these disasters from the temperature and weather changes.

Is there a downside?

Unfortunately there would be. It has been stated that the use of modern energy and fuels is a big part of the reason why there has been this substantial increase in the globe’s temperature. Giving more people access to this energy would mean that there would be an increase in the emissions that are put out. This would in theory increase the possibility of this heating the climate is going through to hasten.

The question this information poses?

Is there a way to help give those without access to modern energy an updated way of living without harming the environment further, while also ensuring that these alternative energy sources aren't ‘second best’ to those that already exist?

Things like solar and wind power have been explored, and are continuing to be experimented with to further understand the pros and cons of each. Though this still poses the question of: will this be enough?

Articles to take a look at in regards to this post:
Climate Change Accelerates
Human Activities Changing The Climate