Back To Nature: A Post-Hurricane Visit To Jamaica - CleanTechnica

The article "Back To Nature: A Post-Hurricane Visit To Jamaica" in CleanTechnica provides an observational account of Jamaica’s current state following Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the island’s abundant solar potential contrasted with its inadequate infrastructure and economic challenges. Despite Jamaica’s plentiful sunshine, the country struggles to transition from fossil fuels like diesel, coal, and natural gas to renewable energy due to fragile infrastructure and limited financial resources. The hurricane exacerbated these difficulties, damaging roads, buildings, and solar equipment, with visible debris and dilapidation along the northern coast. Solar technology is sparse, with only occasional solar panels and heat pumps seen, and no electric vehicles or charging stations observed during the visit. The article also touches on Jamaica’s colonial legacy, which continues to influence its social and economic conditions. The island’s British colonial past is evident in everyday details such as driving on the left side of the road and the presence of international corporations. The local culture, language, and entrepreneurial spirit remain vibrant despite these challenges.