In 2015, the global cost of solar energy reached an all-time high, with prices jumping 62% higher than those in 2014. This is a trend that is likely to continue as more people than ever before are deciding to utilize green energy to power their homes, businesses, and utilities. Indeed, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, there are more people now living in cities than in rural areas, and urban areas consume nearly three times as much energy as rural ones. Consequently, clean energy is becoming increasingly important to humanity as a whole, and this is evidenced by the fact that investment in renewable energy projects reached an all-time high of $268.9 billion in 2015.
Fortunately, the increased cost of solar energy is providing unprecedented opportunities for those looking to enter the market. To succeed, you need to consider all the social advantages the sun provides.
Health Benefits From the Sun
In addition to powering our world, the sun produces vitamin D, which is important for maintaining strong bones. Therefore, those exposed to the sun through direct sunlight or sun lamps are at a decreased risk of developing osteoporosis, kidney stones, stomach cancer, and heart disease. Furthermore, the ultraviolet rays from the sun protect the skin, preventing sunburn and skin cancer. Even those who spend most of their time indoors can benefit from supplements that contain vitamin D, as it is quite difficult for the human body to synthesize it itself.
Education Benefits From the Sun
The sun is vital for studying at home or at school. Students who perform better in the presence of the sun are likely to benefit more in terms of their learning. According to a study from the University of California, Berkeley, schoolchildren who spent more time in the sun scored higher on reading and math tests. Additionally, children who were exposed to sunlight during the day demonstrated an improved attention span and memory recall compared to those who were indoors the entire day. Furthermore, adults who regularly spend time in the sun are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Entertainment Benefits From the Sun
From listening to music to reading, enjoying cinema to cooking, enjoying quality time with family and friends to having a good chat, the sun provides a variety of recreational activities. One of the most significant social advantages of the sun is that it makes possible leisure activities that would otherwise be impossible to enjoy during the winter months. For instance, those in colder climates have a harder time enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, sledging, and skiing. However, in the summer, the days are long and the weather is decent, allowing for some adventurous activities.
A Better Understanding Of Weather Conditions
As we have already established, the ultraviolet rays from the sun protect the skin, preventing sunburn and skin cancer. Furthermore, the atmosphere around the earth is sensitive to changes in the sun’s activity, so those who spend a lot of time outside have a better understanding of current weather conditions. Indeed, people who grew up in the city or near a large town typically know exactly how hot and humid it can get compared to those who live in the countryside. Similarly, those who live in a place where it snows frequently understand what it means to be cold and damp, while frequent thunderstorms and lightning strikes put those who live in the vicinity of a large body of water (like a lake or sea) on alert for dangerous floods.
An Opportunity To Travel To More Places
Countries that lie far away from the equator have fewer hours of sunlight each day, so during the winter, it is quite difficult to get out and about and experience the sunniness firsthand. However, as we have already established, southern countries experience a lot of sun, so it is possible to travel there during the winter and get a good dose of ultraviolet rays. Moreover, places like Hawaii offer an abundance of sun, so even those who live in the middle of nowhere can take the opportunity to visit these places and bask in the glorious Hawaiian sunshine.
More Freedom During The Day
When we are young, it is imperative that we learn to be independent and to rely only on ourselves. Since older generations grew up during the dark ages, when manual labor was highly valued and required, they may not have been as receptive to the idea of relying on someone else to provide for your needs. However, with the rise of the sun as a result of technological advancements, those reliant on labor often have the choice of working remotely (from home), which provides them with more freedom during the day.
To Have A Few More Days At A Resort
When the summer holidays arrive, everyone wants to rush out and have as much fun and enjoyment as possible. For those who live in places where the summer months are longer and hotter than in other regions, the last thing they want to do is stay indoors and expose themselves to the elements. For those in the northern hemisphere who have only just begun to enjoy the long days of the summer, the last thing they want to do is witness the effects of global warming firsthand. To prevent themselves from going stir-crazy, those in the northern hemisphere will head to a tropical resort for a few days to cool off and to get some R&R.
Improved Mental Health
A healthy mind in a healthy body – this is the perfect recipe for high mental health. Those who spend a lot of time in the sun are more likely to have a sound mind, since the rays of the sun not only improve physical health but also provide an excellent mental stimulus. The most significant impact of the sun on mental health is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that regular exposure to the sun can cause humans to thrive rather than simply survive.
A Better Understanding Of Plant Life
Just as with animals, plants also need sunlight to flourish. Fortunately, plants don’t tend to be as affected by extremes of heat and cold as some other living creatures, which allows for a large number of species to exist in areas where it is quite difficult for them to survive in other regions. Exposure to sunlight provides a better understanding of plant life and cultivates a greater appreciation for green plants and the role they play in absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air. Furthermore, those who study plants in the field gain an appreciation for their beauty and the diversity of colors they come in, which helps in their appreciation for nature and the environment.
To conclude, the sun provides a variety of social advantages to those who participate in its radiant warmth. While the list is quite extensive, the significance of the sun in shaping our world is immeasurable, as it not only provides abundant energy but also sustains life on earth as we know it.