We must improve the quality and quantity of energy consumed by billions of people without access, while at the same time rapidly decarbonising the world’s energy systems, responsible for 72.8% of GHG emissions globally. To achieve zero net emissions economy-wide by 2100, the world’s electricity supply must be decarbonised by as soon as 2050.

This policy brief resolves this apparent paradox. It shows that universal energy access would largely be a win-win for the climate and poverty.