Fostering progress: measuring the benefits of investing in energy resilience for healthcare, education and water – World

Attachments

Improving Pakistan’s energy resilience could prevent the deaths of 175,000 children and adults

A new UNICEF study finds that investing in resilient energy would also add $2.3 billion to the Pakistani economy, provide a triple return on investment and boost education.

ISLAMABAD/NEW YORK, May 31, 2024 – A new UNICEF study shows that powering more healthcare facilities with sustainable energy in Pakistan could prevent more than 175,000 deaths by 2030 and contribute $296 million to the Pakistani economy by 2044 through reduced maternal, adult and infant mortality, and reduced disease burden as a result of greater energy resilience.

The term “resilient power” means a reliable, flexible, available and high-quality power supply that can withstand and recover quickly from unforeseen shocks such as power outages and floods. Investments in resilient energy in health, education and water services could have other significant benefits for the country’s children and pay off up to threefold, according to a study by the Economist Impact Unit for UNICEF.

For example, providing schools with reliable electricity would reduce drop-out rates and improve children’s learning, so they can earn more in the future. According to the study, this will add $2.3 billion to Pakistan’s economy by 2040. With Pakistan recently declaring an education emergency, energy resilience investments could help 26 million out-of-school children return to classrooms. This would potentially power about 20 percent of off-grid schools in Pakistan’s two provinces.

Moreover, due to persistent heatwaves, temperatures in some parts of the country have exceeded 50°C. The demand for electricity has increased, putting a strain on existing energy sources. With load shedding and huge shortages, cooling is difficult. This can put children’s health at risk and lead to dehydration, diarrhea and more serious complications.

“Children depend on schools, health centers and safe drinking water for their survival, although these facilities often lack access to electricity to function optimally. As the current heat wave grips the country, demand for electricity has skyrocketed, causing shortages that could threaten children’s health,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “This study highlights the importance of implementing resilient energy solutions that not only protect children’s lives and improve their well-being, but also contribute to economic growth. It is clear that this is a win-win for everyone in Pakistan: children, families, teachers, the private sector and the economy. The urgent need for renewable energy is greater than ever, especially for our children who feel the effects of climate change every day.”

Globally, 3.5 billion people live without reliable electricity, mostly in developing regions, where power outages can disrupt hospital operations and cause drinking water sources such as tube wells to fail.

Additionally, climate change is disrupting energy production and distribution. During the 2022 floods in Pakistan, almost half of water facilities, such as water tanks, wells and main supply lines, were damaged. The floods severely damaged a major river system responsible for 25% of Pakistan’s energy supply.

In response, UNICEF restored water systems using smarter solutions, benefiting 350,000 people in 375 locations. Floor levels in the new wells have been raised above expected flood levels, using frame structures for stability and protective walls to reduce potential damage.

The study shows that if flexible energy is fully utilized, families and children in remote areas will be able to have better water quality and supplies with fewer power outages. This can protect children from disease and increase agricultural production.

Investments and policy actions from both the public and private sectors can help achieve a green and just energy transition. Therefore, UNICEF calls for:

• Greater investment in resilient, sustainable and green energy solutions for healthcare, education and safe water supply in developing countries. These solutions represent the best, most efficient and cost-effective ways to overcome energy shortages in the face of the climate crisis and achieve net zero goals. Investments could also extend beyond the company’s value chain.
• Supportive policies and initiatives that promote the adoption of renewable energy.
• Collaboration with development finance institutions to offer blended finance solutions.

Providing renewable energy is a key part of UNICEF’s Sustainable Development and Climate Agenda. To date, UNICEF has implemented several solar electrification initiatives. For example, three 250 kWp hospital photovoltaic systems have been installed across Pakistan, providing an uninterrupted supply of renewable energy to power equipment, saving newborns and their mothers. Even globally in 2022, UNICEF delivered 12,514 solar-powered vaccine cold chain devices and built 1,855 solar water systems, which helped people and children in communities, healthcare facilities and schools obtain safe water.

“Pakistan has an abundance of renewable resources and by investing in them, we are tapping into a gold mine to help children,” Fadil added. “But we can’t do it alone. We need the private sector to play a bigger role because public sector resources will not be sufficient. It’s everyone’s business.”

#####

Notes for editors

The full report is available here.

Media contacts

Abdul Sami Malik
Communication specialist
UNICEF Pakistan
Tel: +92-300-855-6654
Tel: +92-51-209-7811
E-mail: [email protected]

Pravarana Mahata
Communication specialist
UNICEF South Asia
Tel: +977-98020 48256
E-mail: [email protected]

Tess Ingram
UNICEF New York
Tel: +1 347 593 2593
E-mail: [email protected]