Pope Francis decided that the Vatican State will use agrivoltaic technology to meet its energy needs. But what is agrivoltaic technology? It’s a method that aims to increase both energy production and agricultural productivity by placing solar panels on agricultural lands. But what does the Pope have to do with solar panels? Actually, a letter explains everything.
The Vatican Will Use Agrivoltaic Solar Panels by the Pope’s Decision
With this decision, the Pope acts directly without paying attention to internal government debates. This technology has many benefits for the agriculture sector and biodiversity. It creates a great habitat for bees and other pollinating insects, in particular.
Pope Francis is known as a determined religious leader in the fight against climate change. In his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si,” he called on all humanity to change their ways of living, producing, and consuming to stop global warming. In that letter, he pointed out that the widespread use of fossil fuels is one of the main causes of climate change.
The solar panel decision was announced in his new encyclical “Fratello Sole.” With this decision, the Vatican approved its participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and now plans to build an agrivoltaic facility in the Santa Maria di Galeria area. This facility will not only meet the energy needs of the existing radio station but also supply the entire energy needs of the Vatican State.
By making this decision, Pope Francis sets an example for other states, showing that addressing the energy needs of the Vatican while combating climate change is possible. What do you think about this decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.