Unpack the shift to solar, how to do it, why it matters, and what it can do for our environment and health with Jonathan Buonocore from Harvard University, and Karl Rábago from Rábago Energy.
Jonathan explains the health risks of our current energy production sources, resulting from air pollution (ozone & PM 2.5). These include: asthma, pre-mature birth, stroke, cardiovascular, Alzheimer's, Aspergers, etc.
Additionally breaks down the problematic nature and negative health impacts of natural gas (named by some as a clean energy). However, Jonathan explains how this naming doesn’t factor in the whole lifecycle of natural gas (pipelines, hydraulic fracturing, facilities pollution, etc.).
Jonathan closes with a lighter topic of the benefit of switching to solar. There are greater health benefits in areas already high in pollution and population; this is where we must focus first to make the greatest impact.
In segment 2 Karl promotes solar as a huge opportunity. Solar is now more accessible, falling in price rapidly. Using solar energy on a renewable cycle, on a daily basis through photo-voltaic panels, and converting sunlight into electricity is where the shift happens. You can even size your solar panels and setup for your households energy needs.
There are many avenues for solar, including pollinator and wildlife safe solar farms, solar on top of landfills, community solar projects and group cooperatives.
With abundant opportunity, lowering cost and rising availability, solar should only become for viable for lower income populations who can benefit from the consistent and fixed bill every month and the lowered risk of climate related health issues, which they are impacted by at higher rates.
To promote the switch to clean energy individuals can: join a group of activists, contact utility customer service and advocate for solar, speak up at community meetings, talk to officials and make informed votes.
Find more about Jonathan and his work here:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/news/us-renewables/
Learn about C-Change Harvard here:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/
Find about more about Karl and his work by visiting: