Building a Brighter Tomorrow: The Importance of Change

As the residents of Earth continue to see extreme swings between weather temperatures, increase in storm intensities and a rise in wildfires, among other signs of long-term effects of climate change, it often leaves people feeling helpless and concerned for our future generations. The year 2022 was a monumental year for both climate change impacts and, luckily, climate change policies. 

Following a record-breaking year for heat waves and historic flooding, the current Presidential Administration signed the Inflation Reduction Act, launching $369 billion into efforts to reduce climate change, and the United Nations committed to help countries that are most vulnerable to the climate impacts. However, the efforts against climate change need to happen on a more granular level as well, including state and local municipalities working together in adaptation and mitigation of greener practices. 

According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures are likely to rise to the Earth’s tipping point of 1.5 degrees Celsius over the next twenty years. According to the same report, the amount of energy produced by renewables will need to double over the next eight years to reach the goal of being net-zero in emissions in time. 

At Solcium Solar, we strive to be good stewards of our planet, educating our community on the importance of change by lending unbiased industry statistics. We may play a small part in this global crisis, but it is a small role that we’re proud to occupy. Building a brighter tomorrow was the heartbeat of building our organization. When Solcium Solar was launched, our vision was deep-rooted in investing in change-makers to be the change we wish to see in this world, which includes deep reflection on what is most important to most people: the future of our loved ones.

Today, we sat down to discuss the importance of building a brighter tomorrow with our Chief Strategy Officer, Founder & Owner, Gustavo Panosso. 

Why were you prompted to create change through a corporation?

I have always envisioned business as a way to serve. Building businesses is my way to positively impact our team members, their families, and by extension, the communities that we work and live in. 

In your lifespan, what changes can you account for in environmental concerns?

Climate change is happening. We see it in our changing weather patterns, in unprecedented flooding events, rising sea levels, more severe weather events, higher storm surges and heat related illnesses. We saw climate change’s impact in this year’s hurricanes. Educated people can have differing opinions on the severity of the impact, but I think we can all agree that where possible, we must make decisions and take actions to mitigate the further damage being caused to our environment. 

What can others do to offset climate change?

There are simple things we all can do to offset our individual carbon footprint. Where possible, diminish your use of plastics, drive more efficiently, conserve energy by turning off lights and appropriately setting your HVAC system, eat locally grown foods and, of course, use renewable sources of energy like solar. 

Why do you feel it is so important to create change now rather than later?

By making the necessary changes now, we can still mitigate the severity of climate change. 

You’re a businessman but a family man first and foremost. What is your hope for your children’s future?

I want my children to live in a healthier world with healthier people. 

Is there a favorite quote or saying that helps motivate you to create change within the world?

I’m constantly reminding myself of the first thoughts in the serenity prayer. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change, the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” 

This prayer encourages me to accept the change that I can not control and to be the change maker where I can. I believe that we are all called to be good stewards of this special planet. This includes taking on whatever change we are able to individually do to slow the pace of climate change and mitigate its effects.

It doesn’t take building a business to build a brighter tomorrow. Every individual needs to take preventative measures today in order to secure change that will, in turn, secure a bright future for generations to come. 

Here are small changes that lead to a big impact 

1. Switch to LED and lower your energy consumption within your home
2. Rethink your commute by carpooling or using public transportation 
3. Shop locally and eat more vegetables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
4. Reduce your food waste to avoid producing methane gas in landfills
5. Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle whenever and wherever you can
6. Switch to renewable energy for your home’s consumption
7. Consider buying an electric vehicle
8. Buy consciously – spend your money where it matters by researching sustainable companies
9. Use your voice by advocating for change with leaders, loved ones and local businesses