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As COVID-19 is gaining more ground in the world’s most deprived regions, it will affect the most defenseless, with the unexpected health and economic crisis adding up to the current challenges. This will continue to add to the pressure felt by fragile populations. This demands a thorough and cooperative response. Connected to all this is clean energy, which is essential in helping countries prepare, react, and recover from this global pandemic.
Clean energy can bring cost-effective solutions that are associated with climate targets and can assist in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on people’s jobs, families, and their lives. At the forefront of the fight against the virus, energy and for homes and health facilities is crucial. However, almost 900 million people still don’t have electricity. In states where the power grid is not reliable or does not exist, clean energy tools provide answers that can solve concerns quickly. With reliable energy, health facilities can do their jobs 24/7 rather than just depending on candles and flashlights.
Using Solar Power For Health
There are current programs that utilize solar power to help improve health services while saving the environment with less money, and ultimately saving lives.
In addition, clean energy can also deal with several health risks that may increase the risk of people acquiring respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. Almost 50% of the world population depends on contaminated fuels and ineffective cooking stoves, all at high environmental and health costs. Annually, almost four million people die unexpectedly from diseases associated with smoke from stoves or open fire. Encouraging people to utilize clean fuels and energy-efficient ovens and ranges can help protect millions of these people from taking in lethal doses of fumes in their homes every day.
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Access to energy also encourages social distancing policies to be followed by powering the technologies and gadgets that help people to keep in touch, receiving information, learn online, and work from the comfort of your homes. Energy also offers credible access to clean water; a vital factor needed during COVID times. Finally, it guarantees food security by allowing food chains and providing power to water pumps.
Investing In Clean Energy
Aside from the benefits mentioned above of clean energy, it can also boost economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renewable energies are fuel for creating jobs. A whopping 11 million people across the globe had jobs in the renewable sector in 2018. The International Renewable Energy Agency stated that this number could increase up to more than 40 million worldwide 30 years from now. Even small businesses can take advantage of decentralized energy systems that provide possible sources of extra income.
Ultimately, clean energy is accessible, reliable, and cost-effective. In many progressive countries, though, the possibility of large-scale renewable energy projects remains unclear. Investments in this sector are proving to be much lower than what is required to be able to yield its full benefits, including its potential on the climate.
Removing The Barriers
Many organizations are working hand in hand with the government to remove the barriers that inhibit investments from coming. By focusing on policies and financial risks connected with such investments in progressive economies, these organizations help governments create an empowering environment for renewable energy. Soon solar programs that are being structured and set up in more than 11 countries are going to expand across the globe.
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As nations get ready for the aftermath of COVID-19, there is a greater opportunity for world recovery. Impressive green stimulus projects will assist countries in repairing their economies at the same time, reshaping their energy transition. As oil prices go down to historical lows, we must all ensure that the world does not lose track of its climate targets. This is a good moment to transform fossil fuel subsidies and reevaluate the choices that countries have to fast-track their clean energy transition to withstand a recovery that is best for the whole world.