Jim Rogers Lighting the World Book Cover

LIGHTING THE WORLD

TRANSFORMING OUR ENERGY FUTURE BY BRINGING ELECTRICITY TO EVERYONE

Jim Rogers Lighting the World Book Cover

LIGHTING THE WORLD

Transforming our energy future by bringing electricity to everyone

“A passionate, but not ideological, argument that offers a practical approach to solving real problems.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Although simplistic in some ways, this book is a highly accessible introduction to the problem of worldwide electrification.”

BOOK VERDICT

Most people are shocked to hear that nearly one in five people on Earth still don’t have electricity. Even as cell phones become ubiquitous, villagers in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India must walk miles to charge them. But new technologies now offer scalable, sustainable solutions that I believe can usher in a new era of light, and lift millions out of poverty, enable equal rights for women, and jump-start economic development. They also represent a unique, transforming opportunity for the West to solve its own energy crisis.

The developing world has largely skipped the analog stage of power development, leaping straight from the Middle Ages to the digital age. Unencumbered by aging infrastructure, dependence on fossil fuels, or outdated laws and regulations, these countries are the ideal incubators of innovation; indeed, they have the potential to surpass us as global energy leaders in just a couple of decades.

Solar Lamp Photo

Most people are shocked to hear that nearly one in five people on Earth still don’t have electricity. Even as cell phones become ubiquitous, villagers in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India must walk miles to charge them. But new technologies now offer scalable, sustainable solutions that I believe can usher in a new era of light, and lift millions out of poverty, enable equal rights for women, and jump-start economic development. They also represent a unique, transforming opportunity for the West to solve its own energy crisis.

The developing world has largely skipped the analog stage of power development, leaping straight from the Middle Ages to the digital age. Unencumbered by aging infrastructure, dependence on fossil fuels, or outdated laws and regulations, these countries are the ideal incubators of innovation; indeed, they have the potential to surpass us as global energy leaders in just a couple of decades.

Lighting the World covers five key points about getting electricity to the 1.2

1

WE MUST OPEN OUR EYES

The world has a blind spot regarding the vital role electricity plays in lifting people from poverty. Experts talk about clean water, efficient cook stoves, good education and healthcare, but rarely acknowledge that electricity is the foundation of all these efforts.

2

ELECTRICITY IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT

Electricity is a basic human right, because it enables people to have a political voice, good health and nutrition, education, and expanded economic lives. In order for energy poverty to get the attention it deserves, the UN must recognize it as such.

3

WOMEN BENEFIT THE MOST FROM ELECTRICITY

Electricity is the key to improving the lives of women. Just as the rural electrification act of the early 20th century freed American women from having to haul water, wash by hand, and cook in the dark, bringing sustainable electricity to the rural poor around the world will free women to work, learn, and improve their communities, and gain true equality.

4

TECHNOLOGY HAS CONVERGED

The convergence of new technologies makes this the ideal time for the 1.2 to have access to clean power. The interplay of mobile banking, cell phones, the Internet, and rapidly evolving solar and battery storage innovations makes this the ideal time to expand electrification around the globe in a clean, sustainable way.

5

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR PRIVATIZED RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

Practical solutions for privatized rural electrification. So far, charitable efforts have barely made a dent in bringing light to the 1.2 billion. My plan is predicated on government-sponsored franchises in rural areas that are auctioned off to private companies. This is similar to the system that worked in the US for rural electrification in the early 20th century, except that instead of being financed by the government, these franchises are financed by private companies.

© 2019 Jim Rogers | Photos courtesy of Stephen P. Williams and Joe Hale