Energy Hardship Doesn't Take A Break: It's The Most Vulnerable Homes Struggling To Endure 'Heat Waves' During Summer Seasons
In a recent report, climate change expert Cornelis has highlighted the significant challenges posed by excessive heat to economies, societies, and public health, particularly for vulnerable groups. This issue is particularly pronounced in the context of energy poverty, which is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in temperate regions during summer months.
Energy poverty, a complex concept that can vary depending on region and multiple circumstances, affects 19% of EU households during the summer, with 75% of buildings being energy inefficient and at risk of overheating. This situation is exacerbated by climate change, causing energy poverty to grow in the summer months.
The European Union recognises energy poverty as a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. Preliminary studies suggest that those affected by energy poverty in winter may also have difficulties in summer. The affected population is expanding due to increased energy prices after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In warmer countries, the increased cost of cooling may exacerbate energy poverty in the most vulnerable households. However, a study with 20 years of data from 75 countries concludes that climate policies can reduce energy poverty, especially in developing countries and with long-term measures, by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energies, promoting innovation, and improving energy efficiency.
The European Commission (EC) has implemented policies and regulations to reduce the energy poverty rate, which stood at 9.2% in 2024. Air conditioning is considered a necessary part of a fair energy transition by the EC, especially in older and poorly climate-controlled homes.
Spain doubles the EU average of energy poverty, with figures varying between 10 and 20% of the population. Climate change and environmental policy expert Michael Jakob suggests that to ensure climate policies are socially just, governments must find ways to protect consumers from energy poverty.
Energy poverty affects the inability of households, particularly in developed countries, to afford basic energy services, including maintaining an adequate temperature in homes during summer months. This issue is not limited to electricity and affects sources such as gas as well.
Research indicates that climate change is expected to result in modest reductions in the degree of energy poverty in the short to medium and long term, but this reduction may be greater and more lasting in cooler regions. Access to electricity is more widespread than ever, covering 90% of the world's population in 2020, but 733 million people still lack this essential resource.
However, a direct list of countries with a higher number of households affected by energy poverty due to high cooling and air conditioning costs in 2024 could not be found in the search results. This underscores the need for continued research and policy development to address this growing concern.
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