"To give just a single key comparison, **in 2020 the average annual per capita energy supply of about 40 percent of the world’s population** (3.1 billion people, which includes nearly all people in sub-Saharan Africa) **was no higher than the rate achieved in both Germany and France in 1860**! "**In order to approach the threshold of a dignified standard of living, those 3.1 billion people will need at least to double—but preferably triple—their per capita energy use**, and in doing so multiply their electricity supply, boost their food production, and build essential urban, industrial, and transportation infrastructures." ([Location 310](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08SGC3TD3&location=310)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[urbanisation]], [[systems-thinking]], [[food-production]], [[energy-conversion]] **Source** -- [[202412030828 - B - How the World Really Works]]