The world can’t tackle climate change without also addressing the fact that 1.1 billion people still lack access to energy.
Much of the discussion at the Marrakech climate talks has focused on building the energy systems of the future. If those systems are to meet both goals — connecting everyone in the world to energy and also preventing runaway climate change — it will take rigor and discipline to see them realized.
Devex spoke with Rachel Kyte, the chief executive and U.N. special representative at Sustainable Energy for All, on the sidelines of the 22nd Conference of Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Kyte said she is optimistic climate action and energy access can proceed in tandem. She outlined how to overcome vested interests and pointed out what still gets neglected in the conversation about our global energy future.
About the author
Michael Igoe@AlterIgoe
Michael Igoe is a Senior Reporter with Devex, based in Washington, D.C. He covers U.S. foreign aid, global health, climate change, and development finance. Prior to joining Devex, Michael researched water management and climate change adaptation in post-Soviet Central Asia, where he also wrote for EurasiaNet. Michael earned his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, where he majored in Russian, and his master’s degree from the University of Montana, where he studied international conservation and development.
