Structural energy inequality in India's heat crisis: cooling as a right, not a privilege
Original framing: “In India’s parched heart, high power costs put cooling out of reach” — The Japan Times
The current energy crisis in India is rooted in colonial-era infrastructure that prioritized urban centers and industrial zones, leaving rural areas underserved. Post-independence energy policies have largely perpetuated this imbalance, favoring centralized, fossil-fuel-based models over decentralized, community-led alternatives.
The crisis of cooling access in India is not merely a technical or economic issue but a systemic failure rooted in colonial infrastructure, neoliberal energy policies, and the marginalization of indigenous and rural voices.
By integrating decentralized renewable energy, traditional cooling techniques, and community-led planning, India can move toward a more just and sustainable energy future. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable populations but also models a climate-resilient development path that prioritizes equity over profit. The lessons from this crisis extend beyond India, offering a blueprint for energy justice in the Global South.