"**This process of moving from one form of energy to another is called climbing the ‘energy ladder’**. "The world’s poorest still rely on wood as their main (possibly only) source of energy. This puts them at the **bottom of the ladder**. "**Once they get a bit richer, they might start to burn charcoal, then a bit later, coal**. These solid fuels are still terribly polluting, and toxic for those inhaling the emissions every day. What’s shocking is that this is the reality for around 40% of the world’s population – more than three billion people. ([Location 1070](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0C3X6X695&location=1070))" --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[coal-energy]], [[fossil-fuels]], [[energy-conversion]], [[energy-efficiency]], [[energy-ladder]], [[technology]], [[climate-change]] **Source** -- [[260103133118 - B - Not the End of the World]]