In a perfect world, everyone, regardless of location, could have access to affordable, clean, renewable energy. In reality, more than 2.5 billion people across the globe do not have access to any power source at all. Most of these individuals rely on kerosene or other fossil fuels for light. Burning these fossil fuels creates large amounts of toxic fumes as well as high levels of greenhouse gases. Just one kerosene lamp, which is the most common source of light in third world countries and developing nations, produces about one ton of carbon emissions over a seven-year period. Obviously, an alternative, cleaner source of energy is necessary, and solar lighting or solar power is the answer!
Making solar energy available to as many individuals as possible is a noteworthy endeavor. The people of these third world and developing countries can serve their basic needs while reducing environmental pollution. As more solar lighting units are introduced, jobs will be generated. Individuals who have experienced the remarkable power generation capabilities of solar panels will tell others, which in turn will create more jobs and assist more families. Finally, demands for our precious fossil fuel resources will be diminished, thereby helping the entire planet.
Solar power systems and technology are becoming more efficient, more economical, smaller, and more appealing to the eye. Likewise, thanks to this modern technology and water-heating properties of solar panels, some people have been able to take a hot bath for the first time in their lives! Solar power is also being used in cooperation with water in heating and cooling systems for homes where such luxuries were otherwise impossible. Lives have been saved, jobs have been generated, carbon emissions have been reduced, and the quality of life for countless individuals have been raised, all because of solar power!
In our current global economy, it is important to not only reduce the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels in third world countries, but also in the richest countries. And, although the rich countries have a large impact on climate change, it is important for all countries and people to do their part, in their own way, to reduce greenhouse emissions and fossil fuel use. Through the use of solar panels, solar lighting, and solar power systems, we can improve the lives of everyone, regardless of location or economic status. We can help those in the poorest of nations to cope with environmental and energy challenges to come, while at the same time helping them to reduce their own environmental impact.