Energy challenges in the Global SouthCEFR A2
10 Dec 2025
Adapted from Qian Sun, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ahmed Raza, Unsplash
Many people in the Global South face an "energy trilemma": they need reliable electricity, want it to be affordable, and expect lower pollution. China now makes large amounts of renewable equipment, and cheaper machines have helped solar and wind spread in South Asia.
A Renmin University index finds that, since 2000, many countries improved access and security but still have low environmental sustainability. Some low- and middle-income states cannot afford clean technology. Pakistan shows this tension: it needs much investment, has currency and debt problems, and still pays for old coal plants built under international projects. Experts say deeper technology transfer and support for local manufacturing are needed next.
Difficult words
- trilemma — situation with three difficult choices
- renewable — energy from sources that are naturally replaced
- sustainability — ability to keep something without harming the environment
- investment — money spent to build or improve services
- debt — money a country or person owes to others
- technology transfer — movement of knowledge, skills or equipment between places
- manufacturing — making goods in factories or workshops
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the three needs in the energy trilemma matters most to you? Why?
- What help could richer countries give to low-income states, based on the article?
- Would local manufacturing of clean technology help your area? Why or why not?
