Factors of Energy Poverty: Evidence from Tibet, China

Abstract

Energy poverty due to rising energy demand is a matter of global concern. Therefore, examination of the causes of energy poverty and development of effective solutions are urgent concerns. Using survey data on livelihood development in Tibetan farming and pastoral areas in 2019, this study applied logistic and ordinary least squares models to empirically investigate the factors that influence energy poverty in Tibet. We found that energy poverty is (1) unrelated to age, gender, education, marital status, political and village cadre experience, planting, or expenditures related to religious activities; (2) negatively correlated with migrant work, village status, household income, and traffic conditions; (3) positively correlated with employment, area, and breeding; and (4) both positively and negatively affected by family residence altitude. The results offer new insights and empirical evidence for the identification and elimination of energy poverty, improving livelihoods, and promoting rural revitalisation in Tibet.