Islamabad, A recent UNICEF report reveals significant health and economic benefits of enhancing energy resilience in Pakistan, projecting over 175,000 lives saved and a $296 million economic boost by 2044 through improved healthcare outcomes.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the study, conducted by the Economist Impact Unit, outlines the critical role of resilient energy—defined as reliable, adaptable, and quality power—in mitigating healthcare, education, and water service disruptions. Investments in this area could yield a return up to three times the initial outlay, enhancing educational outcomes and economic performance. Specifically, electrifying schools could potentially reintegrate 26 million out-of-school children and contribute an additional $2.3 billion to the national economy by 2040.
The urgency for resilient energy solutions is compounded by current heatwaves exceeding 50°C, escalating electricity demands, and frequent power outages, posing severe health risks to children. UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, emphasized the vital need for renewable energy sources to combat these challenges and support sustainable development.
The report also references the destructive 2022 floods in Pakistan, which damaged critical water infrastructure and disrupted 25% of the country’s energy supply. In response, UNICEF’s interventions have focused on rebuilding water systems with enhanced flood resilience, benefitting over 350,000 people.
The study advocates for increased public and private sector investment in sustainable and resilient energy solutions, crucial for addressing the dual challenges of energy scarcity and climate change, and for achieving global net-zero goals.