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
- The exponential growth of solar power will change the world
- AI will transform the character of warfare
- 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
The front line of the tech war is in Asia
The two superpowers are vying for influence. China will not necessarily win
How high could the oil price go?
Geopolitical risk is rising. But so is the supply of oil
The Trumpification of American policy
No matter who wins in November, Donald Trump has redefined both parties’ agendas
How Florida should respond to Hurricane Milton
Storms like it raise uncomfortable questions about the state’s future
Britain should not hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius
Once again, the Chagossians have been denied a say
A map of a fruit fly’s brain could help us understand our own
A miracle of complexity, powered by rotting fruit