Image: Global Citizen

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. ​

In the video above, Congressman Engel reminds us of how fortunate we are to have power and electricity. It’s so easy to take for granted how easy it is to heat our apartments each winter or prepare meals for ourselves.

Unfortunately, across Sub Saharan Africa nearly 70% of people are living without access to electricity. This is more than half a billion people and has tremendous negative effects on health, sanitation, and the economy. Electricity is the key to development success. 

What can global citizens do?

Engel provides us with some helpful advice.

“We need to incentive more private sector investment and energy infrastructure. We need to push governments for greater accountability and transparency. And we need to help countries build regulatory environments that will expand access to reliable electricity.”

Algeria unveils renewable energy strategy
Image: Flickr: Magharebia

As the ranking member of House Foreign Affairs Committee, he is actively supporting the passage of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015. This legislation will set the U.S. as a leader in foreign policy aid to developing nations in expanding their electrical infrastructure in a sustainable way. 

Editorial

Defend the Planet

The world needs modern energy

By Ari Medina