Op-Ed: Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy

In June, leaders from around the world will gather in Rio de Janeiro to explore ways that governments, the private sector and global institutions can promote sustainable development. For me, the starting point is clear: Energy is essential for development, and sustainable energy is essential for sustainable development.

It may come as a surprise that one in five people in today’s high-tech world do not have access to electricity. Twice that many, nearly three billion, rely on wood, charcoal or animal waste for cooking and heating. For developing countries, energy poverty is an enormous impediment to economic progress.

Read the full piece on Devex.com

By Kandeh Yumkella, Devex