Solar Energy & Global Warming

Climate change is a rapidly advancing human crisis that threatens millions of lives, natural species and the environment, according to leading international scientists.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - a group of thousands of renowned international scientists who provide authoritative advice on climate change - predicts drastic negative effects if climate change continues at its historic levels, including:

• Increased risk of extinction for up to 30% of the world's natural species by 2020 and total extinction of 40% of the world's species by 2080.
• Increased natural disasters - such as flood, wildfire and storms.
• Increased mortality from heatwaves, floods and droughts.
• Destruction of coral reefs and melting of polar regions, raising sea levels by 13 to 20 feet.
• Millions of deaths worldwide and enormous increases in poverty and hunger.

Climate change is caused by the build-up of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced by human activities such as industrial processing, using fossil fuels as an energy source and destroying forests, which assist in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

To address climate change we must dramatically reduce our greenhouse gases emissions, primarily by moving away from traditional sources of energy to more efficient and renewable sources. This requires understanding and commitment at all levels - including government, business and individuals. At Suntech, we feel a deep responsibility for raising awareness of climate change issues and helping others understand the role that solar energy can play in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. We are also passionate about working with people, nature and technology to provide for a more sustainable future. As such, we are proud to be at the forefront of developing efficient, affordable, reliable and clean solar energy solutions for the benefit of all.

To this end, Suntech has worked since its inception in 2001 to become a leading global authority on solar energy. Our reputation as a premier innovator in the area of photovoltaic (solar electricity) products led to our appointment as the official solar technology provider for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a key contributor to the Global Roundtable on Climate Change.

Leading our efforts is Suntech's founder and chairman, Dr. Zhengrong Shi. Dr. Shi - who holds a bachelor's degree in optical science, a master's degree in laser physics and a PhD in electrical engineering - is widely regarded as one of the world's pre-eminent photovoltaic scientists, and is regularly invited to deliver keynote addresses to strategic forums on renewable energy options.

With worldwide global energy consumption expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, Suntech is investing millions of dollars each year to remain at the cutting edge of solar technology. We hope you will join in our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and a green global future.

Why Solar?

Some key facts on solar energy highlight its significant potential in resolving the climate change crisis:

• The Sun has sufficient helium mass to provide the Earth with energy for another five billion years. It emits enough energy to power humankind for an entire year in 1/816,000th of a second!
• The Earth receives only one half of one billionth of the Sun's radiant energy, but in just a few days it gets as much heat and light as could be produced by burning all the oil, coal and wood on the planet.
• Worldwide, some two billion people are still without electricity. For these populations it is more economically viable to install solar panels than to extend established electricity grids.

Harnessing this power can reap significant benefits for businesses, individuals and governments alike. For example, businesses can use solar energy to:

• Reduce the risk of volatile and rising fossil fuel prices, thereby reducing or stabilizing operating costs, particularly as governments move to tax carbon emissions.
• Take advantage of government incentives and rebates which are designed to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
• Reduce the risk and cost of power outages.
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders such as customers and the community, by showing concern for climate-related issues.

Find out more about the benefits of solar energy for the global economy, the environment and individuals in our photovoltaics section.