Let's turn younger generation loose to find solutions

To The Daily Sun,

I would like to make some suggestions. In no particular order, relating to importance, here are some things that we might try as our carbon-based existence begins to falter.

1. We seem to have a great opportunity to create vast amounts of solar power but lack the will or organizational skills to make it happen. Why couldn’t we, if we are smart enough to create solar panels, employ them properly to augment our power grid? So, where does the sun shine the most? Answer, the arid tropics of the North and Central Americas. How about a demo project at the border with Mexico? Instead of the “wall” we could build an air condition set of shelters with giant solar roofs. The people arriving at the border could be housed and trained to maintain the facilities. They might also be employed to create new facilities as needed. Some could work in hydroponic farm facilities on both sides of the border. Electric equipment, including automobiles, could use the abundant solar power being created. After the initial phase, the power hungry areas to the north and south would be glad to have a reliable source of electricity to feed their hungry grids.

2. When we have the time, there needs to be some thought about how to adapt to global solar warming. Some coastal areas are most in need of what I call re-engineering. Low-lying tidal areas are already experiencing threats from sea rise. Each coastal storm brings the sea to their doorstep. The solution is not pumping out the sea water from basements and ground floors. If build you must on the shore, elevate everything at least three feet above the highest recorded tide. Maybe the time has come to back away from the sea a bit. Otherwise, you may be commuting to work in your outboard!

Let’s turn the younger generation loose on these and other pressing issues. What we need is solutions, not tax cuts and tweets.

Bill Dawson

Northfield