Senegalese entrepreneur and advocate Magatte Wade has publicly criticized the modern environmental movement, asserting that its focus has shifted from traditional goals of clean air and water to actively hindering reliable energy access for developing countries. In a recent social media post, Wade articulated her view, stating, > "The environmental movement used to be about clean air and water. Now it’s about preventing poor countries from accessing reliable energy. When virtue signaling matters more than human welfare, the movement has lost its way."
Wade, who serves as the Director of the Center for African Prosperity at Atlas Network, has consistently argued that affordable and reliable energy, including fossil fuels, is fundamental for economic development and poverty alleviation in Africa. She highlights the widespread issue of energy poverty across the continent, where frequent power outages and lack of access to modern energy sources impede progress and human welfare. Her advocacy emphasizes that restricting energy options for developing nations, while developed countries have historically relied on fossil fuels for their own growth, is a form of "green neocolonialism."
The debate over energy access in developing countries underscores a significant global challenge. Approximately 675 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, with a large majority residing in sub-Saharan Africa. International organizations, including the United Nations, aim to achieve universal energy access by 2030, recognizing energy as a key enabler for health, education, and economic growth. However, the transition to clean energy in these regions faces hurdles such as high upfront investment costs, limited financial flows, and the need for robust infrastructure.
Historically, the environmental movement gained prominence in the mid-20th century with a strong emphasis on addressing visible pollution issues, leading to landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in many Western nations. Over time, its scope broadened to encompass global climate change and sustainable development. This evolution has, however, led to differing priorities and approaches, particularly concerning the energy needs of rapidly developing economies.
Wade’s critique highlights a growing tension between global climate ambitions and the immediate development imperatives of poorer nations. Her perspective calls for a re-evaluation of policies that may inadvertently perpetuate energy poverty, urging a focus on solutions that prioritize human welfare and economic prosperity alongside environmental sustainability.