Globally, around 2.8 billion people, also known as the Other Third or energy poor, have little or no access to beneficial energy that meets their needs for cooking, heating, water, sanitation, illumination, transportation, or basic mechanical power. This book uniquely integrates the hitherto segmented and fragmented approaches to the challenge of access to energy. It provides theoretical, philosophical and practical analysis of energy for the low energy (non-hydrocarbon based) Other Third of the world, and how the unmet needs of the energy poor might be satisfied. It comprehensively addresses the range of issues relating to energy justice and energy access for all, including appropriate sustainable energy technologies (ASETs).The book breaks new ground by crafting a unified and cohesive framework for analysis and action that:Explains the factual and sociopolitical phenomenon of the energy poor whom lack clean energy for cooking, illumination, sanitation, drinking water, and mechanical or motive power. Demonstrates why energy is the primary determinant of human progress.Restates the conceptual and theoretical grounds found in moral and political philosophy, religious social teaching, and jurisprudence positing that the world ought to remedy the lack of access to energy.Makes the case for using ASETs to supplement the quest for electricity, and provide an intermediary source of energy during the transition to electricity. Recognizes the paucity of compelling information that promotes awareness of the negative impacts of energy poverty. Addresses the behavioral issues associated with the successful deployment of ASETs, which include human dignity and cultural concerns. Outlines the practical economic frameworks of energy sustainability based on quantitative metrics for how the lack of access to energy could be answered by electricity and ASETs.This is a must-read for all scholars, students, professionals and policy makers working on energy policy, poverty, and sustainable energy technologies.
