Jonathan Cole on the Transition to Solar Energy and Finding Durable Prosperity

Jonathan Cole's mission and passion is the transition to solar energy (in all its forms). He’s been researching, developing and using solar energy for his household needs for 28 years and now has made it his mission to provide the knowledge about how to utilize solar energy in an affordable, durable, low maintenance and user-friendly way.With hot water costing around 30% of NZ's household electricity costs, we note that Germany, the leader in solar technology and use, is closer to the North pole than NZ is to the South pole, so why are New Zealanders not using this long lasting technology?By deploying this technology throughout NZ, this would give us breathing space from the need to dam rivers and scramble to find more ways to produce electricity. Also, how do we mobilise the community to clean up rivers, recycle and reduce consumer products, by making them last longer. Houses built in Europe can be hundreds of years old, but be refurbished to be modern inside.Why build temporary houses and apartments and waste valuable resources when we can build more durable structures? What incentives do we need to realise that we as a humanity have huge ecological challenges to surmount if we are to leave a healthy planet for our children?Also, finding Durable Prosperity and actualising it.And what is an Eco-Industrial revolution?Can we be Socially Responsible?Jonathan Cole - www.lightontheearth.org