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We have the colossal dual challenges to both decarbonize the global economy + provide modern energy for all. As we debate tactics, a little perspective on scale and equity--> 1/
If we tripled the electricity consumption overnight for every person living in African AND used only natural gas to do it, the total additional CO2 = ~1% global emissions. 2/
Senegal, Ghana, or Mozambique (all poor countries) may want to build a power plant or two running on their own gas. Kosovo or Kenya (also poor) may want to build 1 coal plant (yes, 1).
Power plants running on fossil fuels in the United States: 3,259 (source: EIA) /3
Power plants running on fossil fuels in the United States: 3,259 (source: EIA) /3
Many of the financing decisions on infrastructure in Africa will be made in the air conditioned offices of Washington DC. Here's how DC gets its power today --> 94% coal, gas, or nuclear /4 
So... should we help countries prioritize low carbon energy whenever possible? Hell, yes.
Should we focus climate efforts on preventing poor countries without modern energy systems from building a few power plants to grow their economies and create jobs? No.
/end
Should we focus climate efforts on preventing poor countries without modern energy systems from building a few power plants to grow their economies and create jobs? No.
/end
