Impact of Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors on Energy Poverty and Health Poverty: Evidence from the Bangladesh

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the environmental and socioeconomic factors on health and energy poverty in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (2018-19) were used. Energy poverty, defined as limited access to clean, affordable, and modern energy, significantly affects health, particularly in rural areas where biomass is used, worsening respiratory health. The Alkire-Foster and logistic regression approaches used to identify the critical factors included the socioeconomic and environmental factors. The study results show that energy poverty is closely associated with health and wealth poverty because of limited access to higher education. Therefore, rural areas and those severely affected by climate change face a severe risk of multidimensional poverty. The study results show the need for the proposed policies to assist in sustainable energy. To enhance educational opportunities and address immediate adaptation needs in the affected areas of the specific region. The study suggests that policymakers in Bangladesh should address poverty, climate change, sustainable development, and health.