Solar Ovens
Society
What cultures could be affected? What ethnic groups could be affected?
Cultures and ethnic groups who are reliant
on traditional cooking methods (ex, flame grill
smoker, gas oven).
How are different groups of people affected?
Different groups can be affected by their GeoLocation, access to electricity/gas, use of alternate cooking methods.
What portions of society does it bring together, and what portions does it divide?
Could possibly divide between those who resist the transition to solar vs those who need and rely on solar
Scientific
Will the decision promote basic scientific research?
It will as it will promote the use of more effective solar power and more common use of solar powered products.
People are reluctant to switch over to solar energy fearing it will not be as effective as gas.
To create change, starting small is important and solar ovens are the perfect start
What is the fundamental science upon which this technology depends?
Many aspects of optical science including:
- Solar energy
- Solar radiation
- insulative surfaces
All of these not only apply to Solar Ovens, but rather to all solar powered appliances
What scientific information, if any, might change your view on this issue?
It is good to know that the sun acts as a virtually infinite power source, so we won't ever have to worry about it running out
We are also getting progressively better at harnessing the suns energy with every new scientific development
Only problem is the sun isn't out all year around the world. Some places have lots of sun, others rarely see it
Legal & Ethical
How does it produce the maximum/common good?
Environmental Sustainability as it promotes the use of reusable energy source for cooking.
Health and Wellbeing as by not releasing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by cooking, we prevent further pollution of the air.
Does the technology promote illegal activity
It does not, currently people fight for gas and electricity, however the sun is not discriminating, it is equally bright in every place
If the technology is available to everyone then no-one has a reason to do illegal things for it.
Personal
How does it affect you in the short term?
Will make life a little more difficult as everything right now is made for gas power and there is not much of a foundation made for solar power
How does it affect you in the long term?
Will benefit me greatly in the long term as I will have to spend far less money on electricity/gas powered appliances.
Environment
Short Term?
Could be difficult to implement in the short term
people are very used to gas power for cooking so it might be difficult to switch over
Long Term?
The long term benefits are extremely good
since the sun is virtually infinite, it is the most powerful renewable energy source
By using its resources it will be far easier to reach net 0 emissions far quicker
Economic
Is it desirable or undesirable on any of these scales: global, country, region, company,
immediate neighbours, people in general'?
It is highly desirable as it is far cheaper than oils/gas and other non-renewable sources
Also far easier for individuals to apply and
use in their day to day lives
How will it affect the cultural, ethnic, and/or economic divides?
Possible that it could worsen it because those who have lots of money/use of gas might choose not to switch over to solar power