Energy is vital to economic development. Without the fuels that power cars, trains, and planes, and without electricity, light, and heating, life in industrialized countries would be considerably less comfortable. In developing countries, it is not just a question of comfort. Poverty will not be reduced without greater use of modern forms of energy.
Energy is basic to development.
On the individual level, modern energy services can transform peoples' lives for the better. On the national level for developing countries, it is impossible to progress beyond a subsistence economy without ensuring at least minimum access to energy services for a broad section of the population. How to meet the increasing energy demands without damaging the environment further, however, is a matter of urgency. This volume sets out an environmental strategy for the World Bank Group in the energy sector for developing countries. Sets out the challenge arising from worldwide growth in energy demand and its potential environmental impacts.