solar power Archives - State of the Planet

person in a hard hat squats in a field of solar panels

Opinion: For Solar Power to Go Global, We Must Consider Relaxing Intellectual Property Rights

Developing countries are being left behind in the solar power revolution. To achieve global decarbonization, we need to revise the rules of global trade.

by Alejandra Padín Dujon |September 25, 2023
person in field near wind turbines

Just Transitions: Can Wind and Solar Projects Turn Human Rights Lessons Into Leadership?

Wind and solar projects have a human rights problem. But they don’t have to.

by Sarah Dolton-Zborowski |August 25, 2022
solar panels on walmart roof

$12 Billion Investment in Puerto Rico’s Energy System Must Not Replicate Existing Harms

Unprecedented federal funding to fix PR’s electric system has the potential to save lives and build resilience by investing in distributed solar power. Yet so far it appears to be business as usual.

by Ruth Santiago |March 7, 2022

COVID, Climate, and Collective Global Social Responsibility

President Biden’s actions last week represented an implicit understanding of this nation’s global social responsibility.

by |September 13, 2021
solar panels on rooftop

Renewables Are Key to a Just Energy Future for Puerto Rico

FEMA’s $9.6 billion funding for electric system work in Puerto Rico presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the energy system, making it healthier for residents and more resilient against future disasters.

by Ruth Santiago and Michael B. Gerrard |July 15, 2021
students and solar panels

Power to the People

A team of students designs and implements an off-grid solar panel system to help victims of Hurricane Maria.

by Kathrin Havrilla-Sanchez |January 22, 2020
Abigail Ross Hopper

What’s In Store for U.S. Solar Energy in 2019?

A new podcast episode explores what’s next for solar power amidst increasingly ominous reports about climate change and ongoing debates over the role of federal and state policies.

by |January 2, 2019
wind farm on cloudy day

How Climate Impacts Solar and Wind Power Supply

New research shows that long-term weather patterns could have a huge effect on the success of renewable energy

by |December 11, 2018

Hope for a Decarbonized Future

A recent lecture offered an optimistic forecast for wind and solar energy, showing a glimpse into a future that doesn’t depend on fossil fuels.

by |October 30, 2018
Windmill farm near Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu, India.

NatureNet Science Fellowship Now Accepting Applications for 2019

Apply for NatureNet Science Fellowships at Columbia University by September 7, 2018.

by |June 19, 2018