Speaker - Solar Aid by Keith Neal
Wed, Apr 12th 2017 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
SolarAid is an international charity that combats poverty and climate change. We are providing access to solar lights in some of the most remote regions of the world and building a movement to eradicate the kerosene lamp.
The Problem
598 million people in Africa alone have no access to electricity. Without electricity families have no clean source of light, leaving millions to rely on expensive and dangerous alternatives.
Many use homemade kerosene lamps which are a poor source of light; they emit toxic black smoke, eat up to 15% of a family’s income and are extremely hazardous.
Children can’t study at night, the working day ends prematurely and indoor air pollution presents a serious health hazard.
The Solution
With a solar light, everything changes. These little lamps are safe, clean and affordable. They give off hours of light in the evening so families can earn, learn and feel safe after dark. Just one lamp can transform the fortunes of an entire family and is the first step on an energy ladder to full electrification.
They are not the answer to all life’s energy problems, but they are available right now, and will ensure the very poorest can begin to develop and prosper without having to wait for a grid system that may never come.
