Solar Power: Innovation, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice

Dustin Mulvaney's new primer highlights the significance of solar power energy and offers a vision for a more sustainable and just solar industry. It outlines the state of the industry, exploring conflicts between ecological concerns and climate mitigation strategies, trade disputes, and the fate of toxics in solar waste products.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2019
Publisher: University of California Press

In this groundbreaking new primer, Dustin Mulvaney passionately advocates for the immense significance of solar power energy and presents a visionary roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable solar industry in the future. The solar energy sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, now contributing up to a fifth of California's power supply. However, despite its well-deserved reputation as a green and environmentally friendly alternative, the development and deployment of solar energy may have social and environmental implications, including issues such as poor factory labor standards, landscape impacts on wildlife, and the management of toxic waste products.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of the solar industry, Mulvaney employs a diverse range of case studies and examples that trace the lifecycle of photovoltaics. Through these detailed accounts, he expertly outlines the current challenges and dilemmas facing the industry, exploring the ongoing conflicts between ecological concerns and climate mitigation strategies, ongoing trade disputes, and the fate of toxic substances in solar waste products. This exceptional overview serves as a valuable resource for students enrolled in environmental studies, energy policy, environmental sociology, and other related fields, offering them a comprehensive perspective on the industry's current status and potential future trajectories.

As the solar industry continues to evolve and expand, it is crucial to address these challenges and strive for a more sustainable and equitable future. Mulvaney's primer provides a valuable roadmap for policymakers, industry professionals, and concerned citizens alike, highlighting the importance of responsible development, ethical practices, and collaborative efforts to mitigate the social and environmental impacts of solar energy. By embracing sustainability and equity, we can ensure that the solar industry continues to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change and creating a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520288171