Solar Power: Good for the Environment and Human Health
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In October 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius. While the consequences of an increase in temperature by 1.5 degrees are not as bad as those expected with an increase of 2 degrees, the environment will still suffer considerably. Some of the potential risks of a 1.5 degree increase include climate-related risks to health, livelihood, food security, water supply, and economic growth.
Unfortunately, these human-associated risks of rising temperatures and climate change only scratch the surface of larger environmental repercussions of rising temperatures and climate change. Vanishing ecosystems, species extinction, and rising sea levels are all expected outcomes of the changing planet. If limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees still results in dire consequences, one can only imagine the havoc a rise of 2 degrees would cause.
Today, it is more important than ever to make efforts to minimize climate change and ensure the least possible damage to the planet. One way to do so is by replacing traditional energy sources with solar power. The sun provides the Earth with an immense amount of energy every day. In fact, all the energy stored in the earth’s fossil fuel reserves is equal to only 20 days of sunshine. Since most places on the planet have access to sunlight at some point in time, solar energy can theoretically be harvested universally. Finally, apart from being good for the environment, solar power has the added benefit of positively impacting human health.
How Does Solar Power Work?
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Solar energy is harvested through the use of solar panels. A solar panel has photovoltaic cells that convert the energy in sunlight to direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity. AC is the type of electricity used when anything is plugged into a wall socket at home. Through this process, the energy from the sun is able to power lights, home appliances and more.
Today, the average residential costs for installing solar panels in the U.S. can range between $16,800 to $30,000. Even though this might seem like an expensive initial investment, solar panels can help save money of electricity costs in the long run. Due to the reduction in the cost of polysilicon (used to make the photovoltaic cells in the panels) in recent years, solar power has become an attractive energy alternative. The possibility for a tax credit up to 30 percent, on both residential and utility solar projects, is another factor contributing to solar power’s popularity.
Benefits to Human Health
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of solar power is that it positively impacts human health. If the environmental benefits don’t serve as reason enough to go solar, then maybe these benefits to human health will do the trick:
Better Air Quality
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In some cities around the world, individuals are required to wear face masks to filter out bad air. If emissions continue at the current rate, face masks will become an everyday staple for people everywhere. Solar power is one of the best ways to lower emissions and prevent this reality. An article on the Utopian Life states that solar power is already lowering annual greenhouse gas emissions by 17 million metric tons. Experts at Science Daily add that solar power is also responsible for reducing traditional air pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen and fine particulate matter: “Overall, the health and environmental benefits of this pollution reduction are worth an estimated $890 million from avoiding premature mortality and a range of other negative health outcomes.” Thus, solar power is integral to improving everyday air quality.
Increased Food Security
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Solar power is helping people in vulnerable communities around the world have more food security. Because solar power technology has become more accessible, it can be developed locally rather than depending on big international corporations. With this access, people are able to generate sustainable energy and guarantee a certain level of food and/or income. One example of this is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen. The nearly four-year war in Yemen left half the country’s people hungry every day, with starvation responsible for the deaths of about 85,000 children.
The UNDP tackles this food insecurity by empowering women to run their own energy business. Using solar panels, the program gives women access to materials and training to run a micro-business that “can sell energy to power community services such as water and health systems.” Income earned through this venture is enough to enable women to buy household necessities, stay well-fed and healthy, and even experience economic independence — a rarity for women in this country.
Cost Benefits
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The cost of solar panel installation is decreasing every year. In hotter states, solar power can even earn individuals extra money if their energy output outstrips what they’re consuming. On a broader scale, solar power is playing a role of increasing importance in the U.S. electric system. In fact, Science Daily claims that solar power could “deliver $400 billion in environmental and public health benefits throughout the United States by 2050.”
Thus, solar power not only benefits the environment but also makes some surprising contributions to uplifting human health. With elevating concerns about an increasingly unhealthy environment, working towards a solar-powered future is crucial to combat the adverse health and environmental effects of climate change.
