Thermal comfort and cooling strategies in the Brazilian Amazon. An assessment of the concept of fuel poverty in tropical climates. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazzone, Antonella
• Is Part Of: Energy policy. Volume 139(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Thermal comfort -- Fuel poverty -- Cooling energy -- Tropical climate -- Brazilian amazon; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Politique énergétique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4215

Abstract

Abstract: Fuel poverty has increasingly been associated with thermal discomfort, health related issues and winter deaths in the Global North because it can force families to choose between food and a warmer environment. Juxtaposing the concept of fuel poverty in rural tropical areas of the Global South, it is likely that a similar pattern between fuel poverty and heat related illnesses can be found. A recent study shows that between 1.8 and 4.1 billion people, especially in India, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa will need indoor cooling to avoid heat related health issues. This paper aims to address a blind spot in the literature on the links between fuel poverty, thermal comfort and cooling strategies in the Brazilian Amazon. This study draws from current definitions and indicators of fuel poverty in the Global North and juxtaposes it in the context of tropical areas to understand how fuel poverty affects human health, livelihood strategies and social justice in rural communities that live in hot climates. To do so, this paper uses qualitative methods and a conceptual framework to guide the analysis. I call the intersection between vernacular architecture and sustainable cooling practices 'energy relief'. Highlights: Vernacular architecture in the Amazon is linked to increased thermal comfort. Social housing policies are not adequate to tackle thermal discomfort in the Amazon. The energy programme Tarifa Social is ineffective to target energy cooling needs. Cooling for health should be considered in current socio-energy policies in Brazil.