Energy poverty, climate shocks, and health deprivations

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of multidimensional energy poverty and climate shocks on multidimensional health deprivations in Pakistan. Results achieved by the empirical analysis, addressing the endogenous nature of the relationship between energy poverty and health outcomes, show that energy poverty has a positive and significant impact on health poverty in Pakistan. Similarly climate shocks, including rainfalls, floods and temperature, have positive and significant impacts on health debilitation. The results further highlight adverse effects of shortage of energy and climate shocks on child health as well. In other checks, it has been noticed that the above-mentioned problems have led to higher per capita health expenditures. Findings suggest the need of government's efforts to increase the provision of energy services and relevant subsidies, where required, in order to promote a healthy society.