Electricity: 655m still in darkness as WHO, partners warn of Global Energy, health crisis

A stark global energy and health crisis is unfolding as over 655 million people remain without electricity, according to a new report. The situation is compounded by nearly two billion individuals still relying on polluting fuels for cooking, a practice that exposes them to significant health risks and deepens existing inequalities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners issued a warning about the interconnected global energy and health crisis. The report highlights the vast disparities in energy access, with a substantial portion of the world's population living in darkness or facing health hazards from traditional cooking methods.

The reliance on polluting fuels for cooking, in particular, contributes to indoor air pollution, a major cause of respiratory diseases and other health problems, disproportionately affecting women and children. This lack of clean energy access hinders development, limits economic opportunities, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor health.

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over 655 million people across the world still live without electricity, while nearly two billion continue to rely on polluting fuels for cooking, exposing them to severe health risks and widening inequalities.