Philips Calls for Action to End Light Poverty

Millions of people are needlessly dying because a fifth of the world’s population does not have access to electric light, Royal Philips, the global leader in lighting, warns today. More than 1.3 billion people  are trapped in light poverty as they don’t have access to electricity. Most of those affected resort to kerosene lamps and candles to light their homes and businesses. But these primitive light sources claim the lives of 1.5 million people  every year through respiratory illnesses and fires – the same number killed annually by HIV-related diseases.

The warning comes as the UN today marks the launch of its International Year of Light (IYOL). The global initiative will see the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) bring together a large consortium of stakeholders. Included are scientific societies and unions, educational institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations and private sector partners. Throughout 2015, they will highlight the impact of light on social and economic development.

LED lights help two girls in Africa finish their homework. (All Photos Courtesy of Philips)

Light poverty affects huge swathes of Africa, Asia and South America with as few as 1.5% of people  in South Sudan provided access to electric light. In many developing countries, electrical grids are unviable due to the geographic and financial constraints of linking hundreds of remote communities. However, solar LED technology can provide light at a fraction of the cost of running kerosene lamps, without any of the health, safety or environmental dangers – or the need for major investment in infrastructure.

“Human suffering on this scale is unacceptable in the 21st century,” said Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting. “Solar-powered LED lighting can transform rural communities and save millions of lives. What’s more, it does not have to be invented – it already exists and is proven. I call on politicians to stand together and commit to ending light poverty by 2030.

Philips installs LED outdoor lights in Africa.

“The economic case for taking action is irresistible – light is essential for human prosperity. Lifting 1.3 billion people out of light poverty would not only end this stranglehold on economic, social and cultural development but would also bring a boost to global GDP.”

A single solar-powered LED lantern uses zero energy and can fill a room with clean, electric light for a one-off cost of $10-20 (£7-14), compared to the $50 (£33) annual fuel bill of running a kerosene lamp. On a larger scale, energy efficient LED luminaires and solar panels can be combined to produce sustainable lighting in public places and bring communities to life outside of daylight hours. These Community Light Centers (CLCs) allow healthcare services and businesses to operate after sunset as well as encouraging sports and other social activities. Philips is in the process of installing 100 CLCs across 12 countries in Africa, where some 500 million people do not have access to light.

Disclaimers of Warranties
1. The website does not warrant the following:
1.1 The services from the website meets your requirement;
1.2 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the service;
1.3 The accuracy, reliability of conclusions drawn from using the service;
1.4 The accuracy, completeness, or timeliness, or security of any information that you download from the website
2. The services provided by the website is intended for your reference only. The website shall be not be responsible for investment decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from use of the website or the information contained therein<
Proprietary Rights
You may not reproduce, modify, create derivative works from, display, perform, publish, distribute, disseminate, broadcast or circulate to any third party, any materials contained on the services without the express prior written consent of the website or its legal owner.

Tokushima, Japan - 6 March 2024: Nichia, the world's largest LED manufacturer and inventor of the high-brightness blue and white LED, has started mass production of the new UV-B (308nm) and UV-A (330nm) LEDs in its popular 434 Series packa... READ MORE

New XLamp® S Line LEDs enhance growth, last longer, lower energy costs Horticulture and other forms of agricultural lighting require application-tuned ratios of spectral content, high efficacy and long lifetimes. Whether you are interested... READ MORE