In recent years, solar projects have multiplied in remote communities in several Amazonian countries, mainly with funding from civil society organisations, helping to democratise electricity in off-grid areas of Latin America...Tapiyawa Waurá’s new hut is still being built so his family has not moved in yet, but solar energy already charges mobile phones and powers appliances. He is in charge of school lunches, and takes a tucunaré fish, or peacock bass, out of a newly installed freezer. “Before, they had to go straight into the fire,” he says. “Now I can leave them here for longer.”The freezer, mobile phones and spotlights are now among the community’s most used and valued equipment. Though the night sky is no longer as starry with the increase in artificial light, replacing solar panels [for] many generators has brought quiet and taken away the smell of burning fuel, say residents.The telephone box in one corner of the village no longer works either. Almost everyone holds a mobile phone. This unlimited connection to the internet in a place where, until recently, there was little access and where language and traditional rituals are important, has brought with it some concerns among leaders. Still, they say that there is no turning back.
I can understand the benefits of having electricity available. I frankly don't know what to think about television.
This will end up being a greater disaster for them than the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock.
ReplyDeleteThe gods must be crazy.
ReplyDeleteTV is a danger but I think cell phones are a bigger threat of disrupting their lives.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoBruce
The need for all those TVs? Well, those refrigerators and mobile phones are not going to sell themselves.
ReplyDeleteWell, they can watch David Attenborough now...
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this, but mostly I feel like they should have the same opportunities that much richer countries have; including television.
ReplyDeleteNext comes meth and total collapse. Ain't civilization grand?
ReplyDelete