The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
An energy-rich future is within reach
It is 70 years since AT&T’s Bell Labs unveiled a new technology for turning sunlight into power. The phone company hoped it could replace the batteries that run equipment in out-of-the-way places. It also realised that powering devices with light alone showed how science could make the future seem wonderful; hence a press event at which sunshine kept a toy Ferris wheel spinning round and round.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The solar age”
Leaders June 22nd 2024
- AI will transform the character of warfare
- The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
- Emmanuel Macron’s project of reform is at risk
- How to tax billionaires—and how not to
- Javier Milei’s next move could make his presidency—or break it
- India should liberate its cities and create more states
From the June 22nd 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionDiscover more
Peace in Lebanon is just a start
Donald Trump must build on Joe Biden’s belated success
From Nixon to China, to Trump to Tehran
Iran is weak. For America’s next president that creates an opportunity
Too many master’s courses are expensive and flaky
Governments should help postgraduates get a better deal
Elon Musk is Donald Trump’s disrupter-in-chief
The entrepreneur will be let loose on America’s government
Why British MPs should vote for assisted dying
A long-awaited liberal reform is in jeopardy
Germany cannot afford to wait to relax its debt brake
It should move before the election