ENB:04:11
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ENDA:
Masse Lo spoke about alternative energy sources for
arid areas. Diversities of economies and cultures have an impact
on the level of ability to meet energy needs. Without
understanding these linkages it is impossible to understand the
energy crisis in developing countries. Since populations in arid
areas depend on biomass, primarily fuelwood, consequences include
environmental degradation, deforestation, and desertification. He
explained the need to promote new solutions on energy policy that
call for solar and/or wind energy and the rational use of
fuelwood. Any alternative energy techniques must be adapted to
meet local needs and demands. Photovoltaic sources are not only
less costly but they correspond to the needs of people in rural
areas and arid zones. He also spoke about the sound management
and combustion of fuelwood in arid zones. He discussed some of
the problems with new fuel efficient stoves, including the
reluctance of some local populations to use the new stoves, and
poor distribution networks. He concluded that to combat
desertification there is a need to rethink all energy policies.