by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Whether viewed from a social, environmental or economic perspective, the energy sector presents a fundamental challenge standing in the way of sustainable development. Both within and among countries, high levels of inequality persist in access to, and consumption of, energy. Environmentally, expanded energy use—depending on its composition—comes at a potentially high price in terms of increased greenhouse gas emissions and resulting climate change impacts. Finally, energy supply limitations can place important constraints on economic growth of national economies. Together, these factors combine to place the energy sector at the heart of efforts to promote sustainable development.

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