Out of the Dark Ages

Before the 19th century, people relied on gas lamps for lighting. Every street lamp had to be individually and manually lit. The gas released from these lamps were not only unreliable and incredibly flammable, but they were also toxic and dangerous.

In 1896, Nikola Tesla’s hydroelectric system harnessed the power from Niagara Falls to generate and distribute electricity. Entire streets that were miles away could be safely lighted up at the flip of a switch. This was the world’s first central electricity generator.

Manufacturing lines could mass produce goods at an unprecedented speed. Work was no longer dependant on sunlight and factories could operate 24/7. Women relied on electrical appliances to complete house chores more quickly. With their time freed up, many could take up new jobs opportunities outside the home.

Electric power fuelled what became known as the Second Industrial Revolution. This included the factory boom, railway extensions, and many landmark inventions such as the automobile, airplane and telephone! Coal, oil and gas were burned to generate electricity, and these resources seemed to be in never-ending supply.

The unrelenting burning of fossil fuels badly polluted the air, affecting public health and culminating in today’s climate crisis.

From Scotland’s near-complete reliance on wind power to Kenya’s development of geothermal energy, countries around the world are finding ways to switch to sustainable energy sources. Nikola Tesla’s instinct from centuries ago to ride on nature’s own power is coming full circle.

The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research found that the world’s richest nations can remain wealthy even if they were to stop oil and gas productions. For a chance of averting a climate disaster, these nations must stop fossil fuels by 2034. Will they be willing?