Students: Kevin Reder, Chelsea Ensinger, Christopher Salazar, Madeleine Talarico
The purpose of this proposal is to discuss the benefits of initiating a global effort to increase the use of solar energy around the world. There are many benefits that can come from this proposal. The main benefit being so the world could shift their energy dependence onto a renewable resource as opposed to the current dependence on nonrenewable resources (coal, natural gas, and crude oil). Another benefit would be to help combat the growing damages to the environment. Currently, the world is in the middle of a climate change crisis that without major action is going to permanently damage our earth and surrounding atmosphere. Along with the increase in global warming, using nonrenewable resources pollutes our air and water, harms wildlife and plants, and creates toxic waste.
Though a positive alternative, there are some disadvantages that create large obstacles for solar energy research, one major obstacle being the cost. Along with the high price, the solar energy market is still so new, it makes it hard to entice people to invest in it because of its instability. Without people being able to easily participate due to the price and the insecure market, there is a low initiative to increase solar energy in the world. The public’s negative mindset needs to change about solar energy so there can be more improvements made and at a more rapid pace thanks to funding and interest. There needs to be changes made to alleviate our dependence on foreign non-renewable resources and solar energy can be the answer.
Schreiner Achievement Showcase 2013 