Economist and public policy professional Marie Altagrace Astride Nazaire serves as Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs and lead economist for the Permanent Mission of Haiti to the United Nations. In 2013, Marie Altagrace Astride Nazaire gave a speech to the United Nations in New York on the impact of climate change on Haiti. In her speech, Ms. Nazaire spoke about Haiti’s energy needs and how improvements can be made to move Haiti toward a greener economy.
In 2013, Haiti’s total energy consumption was over 2,000 tons of oil equivalent, or about 200 kilos per capita. Up to 75 percent of its energy was derived from carbon-emitting firewood and charcoal. Petroleum products contributed 21 percent, and electricity made up less than 5 percent. Haitians’ heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal has led to massive deforestation. Today, forests cover only 2 percent of Haiti.
Investing in electricity generation can reduce deforestation in Haiti. It is estimated that the country’s energy needs can be met with 600 megawatts of power. However, current production capacity does not exceed 217 megawatts. Comprehensive investment in electric energy with a focus on hydropower and wind power, both of which have significant potential in the tropical island nation, is needed to power Haiti, maintain and restore its forest cover, and reduce its carbon footprint.
In 2013, Haiti’s total energy consumption was over 2,000 tons of oil equivalent, or about 200 kilos per capita. Up to 75 percent of its energy was derived from carbon-emitting firewood and charcoal. Petroleum products contributed 21 percent, and electricity made up less than 5 percent. Haitians’ heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal has led to massive deforestation. Today, forests cover only 2 percent of Haiti.
Investing in electricity generation can reduce deforestation in Haiti. It is estimated that the country’s energy needs can be met with 600 megawatts of power. However, current production capacity does not exceed 217 megawatts. Comprehensive investment in electric energy with a focus on hydropower and wind power, both of which have significant potential in the tropical island nation, is needed to power Haiti, maintain and restore its forest cover, and reduce its carbon footprint.
