Energy Pathways for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Chapter 17 explores possible transformational pathways of the future global energy system with the overarching aim of assessing the technological feasibility as well as the economic implications of meeting a range of sustainability objectives simultaneously. As such, it aims at the integration across objectives, and thus goes beyond earlier assessments of the future energy system that have mostly focused on either specific topics or single objectives. Specifically, the chapter assesses technical measures, policies, and related costs and benefits for meeting the objectives that were identified in Chapters 2 to 6 , including: • • • • providing almost universal access to affordable clean cooking and electricity for the poor1 ; limiting air pollution and health damages from energy use; improving energy security throughout the world; and limiting climate change.