All around the world, developing countries are in desperate need to renewable energy. For example, in Madagascar, an island in Africa, only 15% of its inhabitants have electricity, and Madagascar has one of the lowest energy consumption in the world. Malagasy must rely on the land around them in order to survive, which in itself is turning into another major issue. The continuous exploitation of fuelwood and charcoal will have devastating effects on the land if it is not controlled. But because the people have nowhere else to turn, exploitation of these natural resources will continue. Madagascar is already working on other environmental issues such as climate change, desertification, protecting endangered species and biodiversity, marine life conservation, etc. If the exploitation of natural resources for energy continues, the already in debt country will have yet another issue to solve. Madagascar is also one of the poorest countries in the world, and cannot afford to go into any more debt. It has many political, social, cultural, and economic barriers and constraints that prevent it from joining the global community and other developed countries. About 80% of its inhabitants live in rural areas, which is an alarmingly low urbanisation rate. Currently, the UN and NGOs are working to increase renewable energy in African countries such as Madagascar. They are trying to implement solar power into the lives of citizens, harness water power for hydroelectricity, as well as other natural powers like wind. Madagascar is just one example of a developing country in need of energy, specifically renewable energy. We, as developed countries, need to help developing countries like Madagascar rise up to higher levels of development, in order to participate in the global community.

<Nichole Kim Cleveland HS 9th Grade>