Mining harms the environment. Again, in addition to those conventional methods, mining projects require a lot of water and the desertification that mining affects can cause irreparable damage. In Africa alone, the lack of availability of water is already costing the lives of thousands. World Water Day, held on March 22, is a platform that can help spread awareness about water scarcity. Solar energy could solve some of these problems. Solar energy is good because it’s clean. It is also distributed so the burden doesn’t lie on one or two sectors. Although it’s less efficient than conventional energy, solar energy is still better than water heating because it requires less water to produce. With the rise of technology and solar energy, problems can be solved. Solving all the problems that we face right now will take a lot of effort. But it won’t be impossible. This piece first appeared on Aftersun. Daniel Wright has a Masters in Atmospheric Sciences, but works as an independent consultant and illustrator in