Hot Springs, Arkansas Now the Seventh City in the U.S. to Commit to 100% Solar Energy

Hot Springs, #Arkansas is set to join six other cities across the U.S. in a commitment run solely on 100% #solar and #renewable energies. The switch to solar-powered utility and other #renewable energy sources will save the city nearly $30 million over the next several decades. City manager Bill Burrough, who is responsible for all city departments, funding, and supervision, stated that he “is always looking for initiatives to become greener, to take care of our environment, and look at opportunities to lower costs.” 

Hot Springs is already the largest city in Arkansas to rely on #solar energy, making this transition most feasible in this particular area. Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar, is in full support of the commitment and will be helping oversee the construction of solar power plants across 80 acres of land in the city. 

Other Cities Aiming for Complete Solar and Clean #Energy Reliance 

The six other cities working towards becoming 100% reliant on renewable and solar utility in the next several decades include Burlington, Vermont; Georgetown, Texas; Aspen, Colorado; Greenburg, Kansas; Rockport, Missouri; and Kodiak Island, Alaska. Several other cities including Kansas City, San Diego, and Cincinnati have also made similar commitments, hoping to convert to 100% clean energy within 40 years. 

State and Worldwide Solar and Renewable Energy Statistics 

In the global effort to implement renewable and solar energy resources, the United States is not the only country making significant strides. In Europe in 2017, for example, 17.5 percent of energy consumption in that region was derived from sources other than fossil fuels.  

There is still plenty of more work that will need to be done across the U.S. when it comes to solar and renewable energy implementation, especially when certain statistics are taken into account. The University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems released a factsheet stating that 80 percent of energy consumed in the U.S. is still generated from fossils fuels. 37 percent comes from petroleum, 29 percent from natural gas, 8.6 percent from nuclear power, and 11 percent from solar and renewable energy resources. Additionally, while wind energy is quickly becoming the fastest–growing source of renewable energy generation, it still only accounts for around 2.4 percent of the energy used in the U.S. 

Can the World Give Up Fossil Fuels Entirely? 

As solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, we must ask ourselves – is 100% solar and renewable energy dependence possible? That is, can we hope to completely abolish greenhouse gas emissions in favor of these solar and other alternatives? And if so, how will this shift impact jobs, economic movement, and other factors? 

One particular study aimed to find out the answers to these questions. The study titled 100% Clean and Renewable Wind, Water, and Sunlight All-Sector Energy Roadmaps for 139 Countries of the World was published back in 2017. Mark Z. Jacobson, one of the lead researchers of the study, found that he was surprised by the study results, stating that multiple countries have the sufficient resources available to be 100% powered by solar, wind, and other renewable utilities. The roadmaps laid out in the study provide guidelines for how various countries across the world can power all energy sectors, such as transportation, agriculture, and heating/cooling, with 100% wind, water, and solar power. If these particular roadmaps ever come to full fruition by 2050, it is estimated that the world can avoid the 1.5°C global warming, increase worldwide access to solar and renewable utilities, and ultimately see 24.3 million full-time jobs created.  

Solar is the Way of the Future 

The buzz around solar power isn’t going away any time soon. Solar energy implementation is just starting to take off. We will likely see more studies published about the effects of solar energy implementation on our planet in the coming years. We can look to solar utility as a positive step forward for all countries across the world. The more we can keep talking about solar energy, the more likely solar energy will become the norm. 

You can read the solar and renewable energy study published by Joule here: https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(17)30012-0 

Resources:  

https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/100-percent-renewable-energy?rebelltitem=1

https://www.newsweek.com/hot-springs-arkansas-switching-over-100-percent-solar-energy-joining-only-6-other-cities-us-1460304 

Millions Strike in Largest Climate Change Rally Ever

Last week’s strike on #climate change inaction saw millions of people from across the globe participating – as a matter of fact, the number might have been as high as 4 million. 

Protestors came out to bring attention to the climate change crisis from Antarctica to Berlin, and from New Delhi to London. This happened ahead of the United Nations (UN) #Climate Action Summit, which is about to kick off.  

Fighting Climate Change in NYC 

Students were excused from classes in New York City. This allowed more than 1 million students to be dismissed to participate and voice their concerns over climate change. The preliminary crowd estimate, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio, was 60,000, but the number might have been more like a quarter of a million, which makes this particular strike surrounding climate change inaction potentially the biggest protest in the United States that day.  

Fighting Climate Change Worldwide  

Crowd size estimates vary. As per organizers, the climate change demonstrations that were the largest in size were in Australia (100,000 people protested in Melbourne alone); London saw roughly 100,000; and Berlin saw 270,000 climate change activists step forward. The United States had a solid turnout, too, as roughly 2,000 climate change activists came out in Portland and Washington, D.C.; 3,000 came out in Chicago; 7,000 came out in Boston; 7,500 came out in Denver; and 40,000 climate change activists came out to make their voices heard in San Francisco.  

How did this massive global movement start? Look to a teenager named #Greta Thunberg. At 16-years-old, she is said to have sparked this global climate change movement. She participated in the strike in New York City. Together with other organizers, she estimates that the worldwide crowd was around 4 million. This is substantial and absolutely worth talking about – it demonstrates that people across the globe believe climate change is real, or better yet – know it is real, and want to do something about it.  

Thunberg discussed how approximately 4 million people were striking around the world. She mentioned how it was the biggest strike regarding climate change in history and that “we should be so proud of ourselves.”  

Her estimates on the climate change strike appear to be accurate.  

Standing Up to Climate Change Inaction 

This past March saw more than 1.4 million across the globe (according to organizers) take part in the first worldwide strike regarding climate change. In the United States, roughly 100,000 young people participated. Participation increased at the second global climate change strike which took place in May.  

The numbers are absolutely worth looking into, even though it can be difficult to be precise. The Crowd Funding Consortium has researchers attempting to document crowd size estimates worldwide. This effort is being led by Erica Chenoweth, Harvard Professor, and Jeremy Pressman, Professor at University of Connecticut.  

Pressman told USA TODAY that data is collected on as many protests as possible, by consulting traditional media and social media, as well as listings and maps provided by organizers.  

Here is how the recent climate change strikes look in comparison to other strikes – the Women’s March was estimated to have 4 million show up in the United States alone, making it one of the biggest protests in world history. In France, close to 4 million people marched after the Charlie Hebdo attack in 2015, in unity against terrorism. Up to 15 million protested during the 2003 protests against the war in Iraq.  

According to Pressman, data is still being put together on the crowd size in last week’s climate change strike. The number of locations that participated are making it difficult to come up with a precise number, but it is a work in progress. Either way, many people are concerned about climate change, as they should be.  

What is Next? 

People care about climate change and want to do what they can to save our planet. The strikes are not over yet. #Earth Strike is coming up next. It is going to be a worldwide walkout taking place in just a few days on September 27th.  

The time to take climate change seriously is now. And it looks as though many people realize this truth. Do you plan on using your voice to fight inaction on the climate change crisis? Was your city involved in the recent climate change strike? Stay in the know and don’t ever underestimate the power one person has to make a difference!  

Sources: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/21/global-climate-strike-estimates-crowd-size-millions-worldwide/2401672001/ 

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/greta-thunberg-tells-leaders-we-are-united-and-unstoppable-1.4026363 

 

Greta Thunberg, 16-years old, is One of the World’s Leading Climate Change Activists

This past month on September 13th, the White House was visited by a swarm of teenage girls demanding that the grownups inside ‘stop acting like children’ and start taking #climate change seriously. The protest is part of an ongoing series of demonstrations known as #Fridays for Future, in which school-aged children leave school and spend the afternoon raising awareness for climate change. Fridays for Future originated in Europe and was started by #Greta Thunberg, a 16-year old climate change activist that has been making headlines since this summer. Her climate change initiatives have inspired children and teens in nearly 100 cities to lead similar demonstrations. 

Greta #Thunberg first drew international attention when she sailed solo on a #solar-powered yacht to reach New York City in August to attend the United Nations Climate Summit on September 23rd. Thunberg will be speaking at the Summit in Lower Manhattan to directly address the UN, all thanks to her willingness to be outspoken on climate change issues. 

Thunberg’s Message and Movement 

In an interview with PBS, Thunberg stated that her climate change activism began the moment she learned about climate change in school. Her immediate thought was, “if it [climate change] is really as serious as they are saying it is, then why isn’t it being discussed more?” From that day forward, Thunberg has made it her mission to stand up to global leaders and be the voice of an entire generation working to fight climate change.  

Thunberg has repeatedly stated in interviews that her generation is “the future” and will be the ones who will ultimately have to adapt and live with the worsening effects of climate change crisis. This is why it has been so important for her to spread her message – and rightfully so. Her sense of urgency surrounding climate change issues, as well as her growing presence in movements around the world, should be admired, and ultimately, emulated. 

Criticism for Thunberg’s Climate Change Activism 

As with anyone trying to change the world, however, Thunberg has not been without her fair share of critics. A great deal of criticism arose not only prior to her #solar-powered sailboat ride to New York City, but in the weeks following her expedition. The construction of the sailboat alone cost £4,000,000 – roughly $4,990,960 in U.S. dollars. The carbon-neutral boat was outfitted with solar panels and underwater turbines, providing clean electricity to power the craft. Ultimately, her solar-powered boat was to raise awareness regarding the high emissions put off by airplanes.  

Her boycott of flight in exchange for the solar-powered boat may have had good intentions, but there is a major problem. To get her boat back to Europe, two experienced sailors needed to reach New York City – via airplanes. This fact alone has raised questions as to whether or not Thunberg’s solar-powered boat was worth its costs and if it has done anything to help climate change at all, besides raise some publicity. 

#Flight Shame in Europe and Around the World 

Thunberg’s incentive to use solar-powered boats is a reaction to a climate change movement that has been taking place in Europe. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. A single round trip flight from San Francisco to New York emits one-fifth of these gases. These statistics have prompted a new phenomenon known as ‘flight shame’ or ‘Flygskam’ as it is known in Thunberg’s native Sweden. Flight shame is what ultimately sparked Thunberg’s boat ride and the growing anti-air travel movement. Sweden air travel has already dropped by 3.8% in the first half of 2019 alone. Additionally, the German Green Party has proposed that all domestic flights are made obsolete as much as possible by 2035. 

Thunberg’s Impending UN Speech 

Thunberg’s speech at the upcoming climate change summit in New York City will not be the first time she has addressed international leaders. Back in 2018, she delivered a speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland. In her standard bold fashion, Thunberg’s 2018 UN speech included the sentiment that “you say you love your children above all else, and yet you’re stealing their future in front of their very eyes.” Her ultimate message? “We cannot solve the crisis without treating it as a crisis.” We can expect to hear similar statements during her upcoming speech when she addresses the UN again later this month. 

Resources: 

https://www.businessinsider.com/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-greta-thunberg-flight-shame-movement-germany-sweden-2019-8 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/28/nyregion/greta-thunberg-new-york.html 

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/climate-warrior 

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/greta-thunbergs-sailing-wont-help-the-climate-at-all 

Solar Hyperloop – Is This the Future?

You might have heard of a new form of transport that is in development, called a #Hyperloop. This system could send passengers traveling in floating pods through tubes, below or above ground, at more than 700 miles per hour. If this sounds like something straight out of a stellar sci-fi flick, or just the future, that’s because it basically is – it is an incredible, innovative concept that is coming to life as this article is being written. But even better, #solar is involved. What does it all have to do with solar?   

The Future of Transportation…And Solar 

The future of transportation was recently on display in Kansas City – people were able to take a look at the first Hyperloop pod, better known as XP-1.  

This particular mode of transportation would be able to connect travelers from St. Louis to Kansas City in less than half an hour. This is a fascinating way to move people and goods fast. Thanks to an electric engine and magnets, a person would be able to travel at hundreds of miles an hour, realistically while holding a beverage in their hand. Keep reading to see where solar power comes in…

The several billion–dollar project in Kansas City could become a reality within the next decade – the Missouri Hyperloop is a groundbreaking conception. This would obviously change how we travel. Goods could be delivered within an hour. We could connect with family members at the other end of the state at super speed. The possibilities are endless, just like there are so many possibilities with solar power.   

But what does this Hyperloop system have to do with solar? Keep reading, because the solar design is in the works!  

A Solar Hyperloop 

Now envision a (solar) Hyperloop network that is eco-friendly in design – think forests with wind turbines, modules that are powered by solar, and urban farming spaces and parks. Imagine a solar-powered dream! The good news is, someone already has imagined this solar creation.  

#Elon Musk and Solar Goals

Hyperloop was first thought up by Elon Musk as a speedy transport technology. Transporting people through low-pressure steel tubes is both enthralling and ultramodern. The goal is to create connectivity between people and cities. The new design has been made by #MAD, Chinese architects, in partnership with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. MAD discussed how solar panel skin modules, which are able to bend, would make up the solar-friendly transportation tunnels. Along the Hyperloop system, you would find forests filled with wind turbines in addition to the inclusion of solar panels – the transportation network would use these forms of wind and solar power, and they would allow for a decrease in #energy costs. 

Solar-Friendly All Around! 

One would not have to worry about traffic, because the solar–powered Hyperloop system would be placed above ground (roughly 7 meters high). This solar-friendly system would also allow land to be utilized in other ways because the space would be available. Now imagine green walkways and parks. How could you possibly dream up anything more innovative? This is a solar masterpiece!  

If you are not already impressed enough with this wind and solar-friendly transport system, consider this – urban farming opportunities have been incorporated into the design, with crop growing facilities included. Talk about taking things to solar heights! 

Where would one find a solar Hyperloop? It could go practically anywhere – a city, a farm, or even the desert. Speaking of the desert, pilot tubes have gone up in deserts in Dubai, and in warehouses in Europe, revolutionary pods are being revealed. Many large corporations are investing in this concept. Realistically, a solar Hyperloop could be coming to a city near you.  

It was reported to CNN by a Virgin Hyperloop One spokesman that there was hope a service could be running within the next decade, by 2029. This is certainly solar news worth staying on top of – so keep in the solar loop (no pun intended) and stay on top of the latest news to come out of the world of solar! Forward-thinking individuals and companies alike committed to solar and clean energy are working hard to bring major changes to the way we do things to improve our planet, save energy and of course to save costs, as an added bonus.  

Sources: 

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/solar-powered-hyperloop-intl-scli-scn/index.html 

https://fox4kc.com/2019/09/13/the-chance-to-see-the-future-hyperloop-test-pod-on-display-in-kansas-city-this-saturday/ 

 

Israel’s New Solar Power Station Uses Mirrors to Increase Efficiency

In contrast to the stark, dry backdrop of the Negev Desert in #Israel, a bright pillar of light stands tall. This pillar is comprised of 500,000 concave mirrors that capture heat from the desert sun and help power the new Asalim #Solar Thermal Power Station near Highway 6 in Israel. The 121-megawatt #solar power station sits on 4,000 acres of land. It is the largest solar #energy project in Israel to date and among the largest solar energy projects in the world. Just four months since the launch of the mirror-fueled solar operation, this solar power station is already providing renewable energy for nearly 70,000 Israeli homes.  

The solar station is a collaborative endeavor made possible by Shikun & Binui Group, Noy Fund, TSK, and Negev Energy, a subsidiary of Shikun & Binui. The entire project cost around $4 billion in New Israeli Shekel, equating to around $1.13 billion in U.S. currency. 

Mirrors and Solar Energy: How it Works 

The Ashalim Solar Thermal Power Station was first envisioned back in September 2013 by CEO of Negev Energy, Didi Paz. Constructed with 16,000 parabolic troughs and half a million mirrors, this solar power station is unlike anything the solar energy realm has seen before. This giant collection of concave mirrors can convert solar energy into steam, which is then used to generate clean electricity. 

In addition to its efficiency, this particular solar structure is highly innovative. While most solar stations are unable to capture solar energy during the night time hours, the solar mirrored tower can provide power to the solar plant for an extra 4.5 hours after the sun has set. This particular feature is a major step forward for solar energy and speaks to where we are headed in terms of capturing solar energy, regardless of the time of day. 

Meeting Israel’s Renewable Energy Goals 

This mammoth solar project is anticipated to provide Israel with at least 1 percent of its renewable energy needs. It is the hope among the nation’s leaders that this project is just the beginning of renewable and solar innovation in the country. Yuval #Steinitz, Israel’s Minister of Energy, told the Jewish National Syndicate (JNS) that Israel has already begun to make shifts in the right direction when it comes to solar and renewable energies. Coal and diesel usage in the country is already down from 65 percent to under 30 percent. Steinitz has also stated that there are several planned closures for the nation’s coal-burning facilities. Israel’s goal is to provide at least 10 percent of the nation’s energy needs with solar and clean energy resources by the end of 2020. By 2030, Steinitz hopes that the country can end its dependence on polluting fuels and continue focusing on constructing solar farms and plants in the coming decades. 

Taking Solar Energy into Their Own Hands 

To meet said goals laid out by Steinitz, Mayor of the Ramat HaNegev Regional Council, Eran Doron, told JNS that community efforts will be the most important factor when it comes to making Israel a sustainable and greener place to live. Further privatization of the solar industry in Israel is also on the minds of its leaders for both the growth of the industry itself and the continued drop in solar energy start-up costs.  

Majority owner of Shikun & Binui, Naty Saidoff, told JNS that this solar project is not only adequate for meeting the environmental and sustainability goals set out by the country, but it will also provide job creation for those in the surrounding Negev region. 

In the wake of our worldwide environmental crisis, Israel is emerging as one of the top leaders in solar energy innovation and production. Around the world, it is imperative that all nations work to provide clean energy for their citizens and set goals that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations. Focusing on solar energy production and the implementation of other renewable resources will allow us to begin to heal our Earth and move forward on a path that will ensure the survival of the human race. 

Resources: 

https://www.jns.org/the-power-of-a-dream-israels-new-solar-plant-lights-the-way-to-a-bright-future/ 

Climate Change: How Is It Impacting Your Wine?

A picture speaks a thousand words. If one were to see Spottswoode Winery, they might be amazed by the stunning gardens and vines – but something else we must pay attention to is #climate change. How is climate change impacting this otherwise stunning winery? Rain patterns without regularity, high temperatures, and the threat of fires – these are all factors resulting from climate change. 

Those maintaining Spottswoode Winery have had to discover different methods of maximizing water usage, experimenting with different grape varieties, and searching for land that isn’t too hot. This is all because of climate change. Surely you have heard of the concerns regarding climate change, but perhaps you never thought of how climate change could change the way you drink.   

Climate Change is Changing Things Up 

From 2012 to 2014, this aforementioned winery had approximately six days during which temperatures soared beyond 98.6 degrees from April to October. But in 2017, that number of days skyrocketed to 21. This can be detrimental to #wine-making, because it impacts the maturation process, amongst other things. Apparently, there is only one opportunity each year to get things right when it comes to making wine in certain places. The pressure of climate change is changing things up in the sense that the vineyards have to be shaded and crops have to be protected from flooding and other environmental factors. It’s not just California facing threats because of climate change. Winemakers elsewhere have to discover new methods and norms to adapt to climate change. Climate change is truly changing things up.  

Even in South Africa, a drought which occurred in 2018 caused a decline in the grape harvest (by 15 percent) and this led wineries to have to discover new methods of leveraging technology in an effort to manage irrigation, according to VinPro’s Wanda Augustyn.  

Things are changing in #Spain, too. #Familia Torres, a famous winemaker, is now purchasing land in the Pyrenees Mountains which was previously too cold to grow grapes. But due to climate change, the area is now attractive to those who want to make wine.  

The biggest retail wine market is in the #United States. It’s the fourth biggest wine producing nation behind France, Spain, and Italy (in no particular order), but climate change might change these numbers.  

Climate Change: How it Impacts Grapes 

Not only do wineries have to worry about temperature changes, but they have to bear in mind that climate change leads to wildfires, too. These can obviously cause extreme damage to wineries – and have in California in recent history. Wine grapes can be impacted by smoke, even if the fire never reaches them.  

As climate change persists, new wine varietals are going to come. Using new varietals is going to be key in learning to cope with temperature changes. The same notion applies to buying land that is located higher up.  

Climate Change is Impacting the Industry

At the University of California, Davis (a renowned center for wine science), viticulture expert #S. Kaan Kurtural discussed how climate change has impacted the industry in recent years. He is currently experimenting with options in Napa’s Beckstoffer Vineyards to see if he can discover crops that are more resistant to heat and drought. He mentioned the realization that over the next decades, we will have more greenhouse gases and hotter temperatures, so climate change has been causing and will continue to cause shifts. 

Many realize that they need to act now, like #Dan Petroski, winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards in Napa Valley. He discussed how things are happening faster than anticipated. Larkmead is popular for its Cabernet wines which can sell for more than $300 per bottle. He wants to maintain his label’s popular flavor while being able to remove acidity induced by the heat. He mentioned how the time to start thinking of these things is today. He is spot on.  

Climate Change: Time to Take Action

Clearly, climate change is changing things up across the globe. It has started to have an impact on wineries and how they are creating and maintaining the delicious flavors of the wines we enjoy. Pay attention to what is going on and realize climate change is impacting day to day life – we need to take action now to reduce the impact of climate change!  

Sources: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/08/climate-change-threatens-worlds-wineries-which-grapes-saved/2136457001/ 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisoncoleman/2019/09/08/grape-expectations-for-britains-wine-entrepreneurs/#82e1e2c6b4ae 

 

Climate Change is Slowly Destroying the Great Barrier Reef

As we are all continuing to digest the headlines that broke last month regarding the massive Amazon Rainforest fires in Brazil, another distressing headline has emerged from another part of the world. According to the Australian government, the long-term health of #the Great Barrier Reef in Australia has been downgraded from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor.’ The last time Australia released a report on the health of the #Great Barrier Reef was back in 2014 when it received its former ‘poor’ status. Now, after just 5 short years, the Great Barrier Reef has continued to suffer and deteriorate rapidly, earning it a status that should concern citizens worldwide. Researchers are pointing to #climate change as the reason why the Reef is not improving and declining more quickly than ever. 

Inside the 2019 Great Barrier Reef Report 

According to the 2019 Outlook Report released by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, an Australia government agency, the “window of opportunity to improve the Reef’s long-term future is now.” As climate change has escalated, damage to the Reef has ensued. To mitigate these effects, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is calling for immediate action worldwide to combat climate change to help restore the Great Barrier Reef. 

The damage that the Reef has experienced from climate change is most readily seen in the coral color bleaching that has occurred over the last several years. To understand the damages from climate change on the Reef’s coral, it is important to know that algae and coral have a symbiotic relationship – they depend on one another to survive. When coral is healthy, the algae flock to them and provide nourishment to the coral. Under times of extreme heat and light exposure, coral becomes stressed and the partnership begins to breakdown. Eventually, the coral will be expelled of all algae and turn white. As a result of climate change and #global warming, there has been a fivefold increase in severe bleaching events over the past four decades. As of 2018, coral growth has been reduced by 90 percent. 

Back in 2014 when the last report was released, the greatest threats to the Reef included climate change, coastal developments, land runoff, and certain types of fishing. Now, climate change has effectively outweighed all other threats and is now the primary concern among researchers. The Great Barrier Reef just so happens to be the world’s largest living structure – and perhaps, a sobering representation of the damage climate change has done to our planet thus far. 

What is in Store for the Great Barrier Reef? 

Although the report on the Great Barrier Reef is quite grim, some positive changes have come about in recent years. Due to conservation efforts in the region, populations of both southern green sea turtles and humpback whales are slowly growing. Certain areas of the Reef are also showing signs of water quality improvement. 

Despite some promising improvements, however, the report states that by 2030, we may see a much drabber Reef with less fish, major losses to seagrass meadows, and continued threats from heatwaves. The report urges action on the part of those in the region, but also across the world. Combating climate change is a worldwide responsibility. If we are to see any improvement to the Great Barrier Reef, action must be taken immediately. 

The Time to Fight Climate Change is Now 

It seems that with each passing week, headlines describe a new catastrophe or disaster plaguing our planet. From glacier melting, to rainforests on fire, and now, the threat to the Great Barrier Reef, it is safe to say we are in dire need of a revolution. If humanity as a whole is going to stubbornly insist on continuing down this path of willful negligence and ignorance regarding the health of our planet, we can expect to see more of these discouraging reports coming forth in the mainstream media.  

Climate change deniers and those who choose to turn a blind eye to the severity of the problem are simply not paying attention. The time to act is now. That is, if we are not already too late to make a radical, positive shift in the right direction. Ultimately, whether or not our planet will be inhabitable 50 to 100 years from now will be humanity’s choice. So far, we are choosing to destroy our home swiftly and without apology. 

Read the official 2019 Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report here: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-work/outlook-report-2019 

Resources: 

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/30082019/coral-bleaching-great-barrier-reef-climate-change-australia-ocean-2019-report 

https://www.npr.org/2019/08/30/755846052/australia-says-great-barrier-reef-has-very-poor-outlook-climate-change-to-blame 

Colorado’s Biggest Single Rooftop Solar Array Installed by Amazon

The biggest single rooftop #solar array has been installed in #Thornton, #Colorado thanks to #Amazon. The solar power array is located at a sizeable robotics fulfillment center – it sits at 855,000 square feet.  

Community leaders joined Governor #Jared Polis last week for the grand opening of the solar facility – there was excitement overseeing the more than 17,200 solar panels across 19 acres on a four-story building’s rooftop. This solar system has the ability to generate more than 6 megawatts of power. Electricity production is anticipated to begin in November.  

Amazon’s Solar Goals 

Amazon announced back in 2017 that it had a plan to install numerous rooftop solar systems over the course of the next three years, by 2020 – the plan was to install solar systems at 50 fulfillment centers in this time frame. Interestingly enough, this goal has already been achieved, as it was reached back in July, a year and a half early. The 50th project has now been finished, totaling capacity to the tune of 98 megawatts. The majority of the systems are in the United States (32); the European Union has 12 of them; and India is where 7 of the solar projects are located.  

Amazon general manager, #Joe Dudek, discussed the excitement from those at Amazon over being a part of the community of Thornton. The company takes pride in its fulfillment center. Dudek mentioned how the building has advanced management systems, remote #energy and power monitoring, and LED lighting.  

There are many employees helping to keep things up and running at Colorado’s biggest single rooftop solar array in Thornton. There are more than #1,500, to be more precise, working with Amazon robotics to assist with packing and shipping items. Some of these items include kitchenware and toys. Note: more than 3,500 people are employed by Amazon in the state of Colorado. 

As per Amazon, the massive solar panel installation covers the size of roughly 10 football fields or 19 acres. The expectation is that enough electricity will be produced each year to power more than 880 homes. The numbers are quite impressive.  

#Greg Michaelson, Amazon Renewable Energy Director, mentioned how they were able to get in to fill the whole roof with as much solar as possible. Even more remarkable is that Amazon is trying to add clean, renewable energy to all buildings.  

Since 2017, Amazon claims to have invested more than $1.5 billion in Colorado through its customer fulfillment substructure and compensation to its employees.  

Solar Accomplishments  

Many don’t know this, but Amazon was ranked 1 in America last year by the Solar Energy Industries Association (#SEIA) for corporate on-site solar installation. What does this mean? Basically, the company’s solar installations in the United States alone work to offset equal to the amount of CO2 released by 200 million miles of deliveries by truck. Clearly, this is a company with a commitment to clean energy and moving up in the world of solar. More information on Amazon’s pledge to sustainability and how the company is focused on reusing, recycling, and cleaning up our planet can be found by clicking here.  

It is always good to discover major corporations making moves when it comes to cleaning up our planet. Amazon has certainly demonstrated a commitment to going solar. The biggest single rooftop solar array having been installed in Thornton, Colorado is one huge, positive move in the right direction. Just imagine if all of America’s biggest companies were to use their innovative ideas and talented team members to make such a positive difference. But let’s not only focus on huge companies – there are many things that individuals can do to make a difference, too. Think about solar moves you can make – and if you don’t have the option to install solar panels at your business or home, consider the impact you could have by simply making more of an effort to reuse and recycle products. Continue to follow solar news to stay on top of what is happening across the globe!  

Sources: 

https://www.denverpost.com/2019/09/01/colorado-amazon-thornton-solar-roof/ 

https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/08/30/amazon-thornton-colorado-leaders-tour/ 

https://www.aboutamazon.com/sustainability