Why It Matters

The Dilemma

After a decade of consistent growth, the world is at an inflection point: on the verge of an unprecedented surge in clean energy technologies with a widespread deployment of renewable energy solutions and of electric transportation. Unfortunately, the economic rewards of such progress have mostly gone to the privileged, doing little, if anything, for middle and lower-income communities, and bypassing those in poverty entirely. The result: a wider gap in income inequality and slower improvements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and an increasing number of disengaged people.

And global warming threatens everyone equally, both in developed and developing nations. Large numbers of people see themselves as having no stake in it, viewing it yet as another example of how society favors the elite. They say “This is not for me. I have much bigger problems.”

While many developing nations grapple with extensive poverty, in advanced economies, the socio-economic divide grows more pronounced, worsening income inequality and social polarization, and further stressing middle and lower-income populations. The steep costs to a frayed society have become increasingly apparent.

Reframing: It does not have to be this way!

There is a path to decarbonization that lifts the poor and helps the lower and middle class; a path that accelerates electric vehicle adoption and expands access to (clean and affordable) electricity. Critically important to rich and poor alike, a path that shortens our journey to a zero-carbon world.

Everywhere, the electrification of transportation unlocks unprecedented opportunities. At Mission Driven Energy, we are dedicated to turning these opportunities into realities.