With the threat of climate change only increasing the chances of natural disasters, such as severe hurricanes, humans are increasingly relying on technological advancements to produce much-needed aid.
Whether during or after a natural disaster, technological equipment and machinery are changing the face of humanitarian relief. One of the most significant developments is the technological advancement in solar-powered energy.
During Natural Disasters
For Families
Many areas worldwide are prone to hurricanes or tsunamis; most families living there will be aware of this, and, as a result, these families often have a plan should a disaster hit. However, this is mainly if meteorological experts can predict a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.
Bringing with them blackouts and loss of heat, hurricanes can easily disrupt the lives of many - but with
solar generators, this disruption can be made into a minor inconvenience. These generators can be used in and outside the home, so they’re great as an emergency or power source on a family road trip or evacuation.
With solar generators storing large amounts of renewable power, families can have an emergency supply to keep the essential appliances going should the worst happen.
For Communities
Even communities that use solar technology are proving this energy's positive impact on the experience of a natural disaster. Take
Babcock Ranch, a 100% solar-powered community that, during Hurricane Ian in 2022, never lost power and afterward had access to water, electricity, and internet, unlike the millions of people in the surrounding Florida area.
The green community proves how the advancements in renewable technology and structuring a community around it can completely alter the individual experience of a natural disaster.
Post Natural Disasters
Not all governing bodies build communities to withstand disasters like Babcock Ranch. Indeed, it's worth bearing in mind that not all communities can afford to construct their energy resource around solar energy. However, that doesn’t diminish the impact of this resource as a form of humanitarian aid.
In collecting, storing, and supplying renewable energy, hospitals can run on a different resource after the disaster has hit, saving more lives. While this is a significant undertaking,
it’s not impossible, with a children’s hospital proving this in San Juan. Without a renewable source, this wouldn’t be possible.
Humanitarian relief doesn’t need to provide for a whole hospital to make an impact. While it's challenging for humanitarian aid to transport large panels to relief areas, one solution comes in the form of rollable panels. Rollable panels are a great innovation because they are easy to transport and roll out like a carper to instantly supply power to homes or clinics.
And remember, solar generators change the experience for families during disasters and afterward, giving people the energy they need on a smaller, domestic scale.
Final Thoughts
Innovations in relief aid technology are paramount as environmental factors continue to worsen. However, technological advancements indicate that not all hope is lost, and with the remarkable difference that solar equipment makes, this renewable resource is changing lives.
