One of the primary causes of poverty in Haiti is deforestation. Only 2% of the Haitian side of the island is covered by forest, one of the lowest rates in the world and less than a fifth of the global average. Satellite images show a striking contrast between the forested Dominican Republic and the barren Haiti. Severe deforestation leads to poor soil quality and water scarcity, both of which reduce agricultural yields. Additionally, natural disasters are worsened with the instability of bare soil, increasing the threat of mudslides and the damage caused by earthquakes.
This issue is not a new one in Haiti. Deforestation began on a massive scale in colonial times, when land was cleared for sugar plantations. Since then though it has continued, with as many as 40 million trees felled annually for cooking fuel. However, a recent government initiative marks a turning point. The government of President Michel Martelly is beginning a push to reforest Haiti, committing to planting 50 million trees a year. The goal is to double forest cover by 2016, and then to continue to improve on that gain. Until now, reforestation programs have all been carried out by non-government organizations, the majority of which are foreign operated.
borgenproject.org/…
Sugar. Of course. White Europeans had to have sugar.
Unfortunately, the Borgen Project does not seem to include energy alternatives, alternatives to burning forests for cooking fuel.
Well, by golly, look who’s pushing an initiative for clean energy in Haiti: the Clinton Foundation:
Improving access to lower-cost, cleaner energy can strengthen Haiti's communities and build a more sustainable future.
The Clinton Foundation has been investing in green energy in Haiti to boost Haiti’s recovery, recognizing that providing efficient renewable energy sources to reduce energy costs and dependency on fossil fuels are key to improving Haiti’s energy structure. The Foundation has worked with a variety of green technology organizations in Haiti to address Haiti’s high-energy costs, low electrification rates, and high dependency on fossil fuels. Clinton Foundation partners are also working on low-cost clean energy alternatives, creating recycling systems to help manage Haiti’s waste, and developing new methods for cooking through effective cook stoves and recycled briquettes to replace charcoal.
www.clintonfoundation.org/…
Holy Moles!
Then, there’s EarthSpark:
When Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti via Les Anglais, EarthSpark's team, grid, and customers were at the very center of the storm. After three long days of radio silence, we were able to re-establish communication with our team and confirmed that all EarthSpark and Enèji Pwòp team members are safe and accounted for. Most Les Anglais homes and businesses were destroyed or severely damaged. Trees have been reduced to stumps. We don't yet know the full toll of casualties. So far, people are taking the situation in stride, sheltering where they can, and relying on well water.
The EarthSpark microgrid fared comparatively well. We lost ~25% of the solar panels, but the generation system is largely intact. We're now working with multiple stakeholders on a plan to temporarily retool the energy assets to power urgent disaster relief efforts. Most of the homes and businesses connected to the grid were destroyed, so beyond relief work, we will plan in tandem with reconstruction efforts to re-establish the poles-and-wires distribution system of electricity for the town.
www.earthsparkinternational.org
In the meantime, just to cover wind turbines, study these puppies:
www.popularmechanics.com/…