21 October 2007
The past, the present and the future of Solar Energy, the most important alternative source of renewable clean energy.
Until about 2000 years ago, we humans largely depended for our energy needs on our own muscles, on animals, and on burning wood. When we ran short of wood, we discovered a marvelous source of energy stored in fossil fuels: coal, gas and oil.
However, we have come to be dangerously dependent on fossil fuels—even addicted to them. Not only does that accelerate global warming, we are likely to run out of cheap oil and gas by mid-century. Furthermore, coal, though much more abundant, is highly toxic.
So we must do something urgently!
One of our most promising solutions may be to turn back to our old friend—the Sun.
What can the power of the Sun do for us? Will it be a major part of the solution to the world's energy problem? Will it bring light and clean water to people in the developing world? Will it help us deal with global warming?
It all depends on how we think about it …
Are you going to be part of the solution?
The Power of the Sun is an interesting, rich, one-hour documentary that was presented to the BA by the eminent Nobel Laureate, Professor Walter Kohn during his visit to give a lecture on the same subject, as part of the Planetarium Science Center 2005 year long celebration of the World Year of Physics.
The film is available now, with English narration and Arabic subtitles, at the "Listen and Discover" auditorium, part of the BA ALEXploratorium.