The massive energy crisis we’re not talking about enough
Vox
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The world faces a significant yet underreported energy crisis, with nearly one in seven people globally lacking access to electricity. While official estimates suggest 730 million people are without power, a 2024 satellite study reveals the actual number could be closer to 1.18 billion. Progress in electrifying remote areas has stalled since 2020, leaving Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania as the primary regions with unmet energy needs. Even within countries that have robust grids, political disparities often leave marginalized communities in the dark.
Energy poverty extends beyond a lack of access; many who are technically connected struggle to maintain consistent power due to outages or affordability issues. This unreliable access forces millions to rely on harmful, inefficient fuels like kerosene and animal dung for cooking and heating, perpetuating cycles of poor health and environmental degradation. The poorest households bear the brunt of this inequality, with women often spending hours gathering fuel and breathing in dangerous pollutants
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Originally published on Vox on 2/25/2026