As the world faces challenges posed by climate change, promoting sustainable energy and disaster relief has become necessary for governments, organizations, and individuals alike. Sustainable energy and disaster relief are interconnected goals that can help mitigate the risks of natural disasters. Over the years, many individuals have promoted the use of sustainable energy by educating people on the benefits of renewable energy and sustainable energy practices. Renewable energy technologies are often more distributed and decentralized than traditional energy systems, making them more resilient to disasters.
Christopher Kenny is one such example of a passionate advocate for renewable energy and disaster relief efforts. Although receiving his B.A. in economics and finance from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, Kenny became passionate about developing renewable energy, especially for those in need. He founded The Preservation Earth Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in 2012. The organization provides assistance, education, and alternative energy solutions to help society shift to renewable energy.
The Preservation Earth Project has been involved in several disaster relief efforts, such as providing portable solar electricity for water purification and medical facilities in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. In 2020 they also collaborated with engineers and local officials to design, build, and install a solar-powered water purification plant for the Navajo-Native American people of Tsaile, New Mexico. Additionally, the organization provided portable solar power to the “Cajun Navy” for rescue and clean-up in areas devastated by the 2015-2021 hurricane season in Louisiana.
Kenny and his team have received numerous awards and recognition for their work, including the Energy Globe Award, the United Nations Association-New York Humanitarian Award, and the National Energy Foundation’s Energy Leadership Award.
Kenny’s expertise in sustainable energy has led him to promote using hybrid power systems, which combine different energy sources, such as solar, wind, and propane, to generate electricity more efficiently and sustainably. He has utilized hybrid power systems in off-grid power plants and mobile platforms, providing backup power for emergency services and access to clean drinking water.
In addition to his work with The Preservation Earth Project, Kenny is also the founder and President of Via Solar, which provides innovative alternative energy solutions for residential, business, and government use. Via Solar has been at the forefront of developing, designing, and implementing off-grid, hybrid power solutions.
Aside from renewable energy background, Kenny’s involvement in the finance industry and developing electronic trading systems have been significant. Throughout his career, he has held key positions at some of Wall Street’s most notable financial institutions, where he has utilized and managed both equity and fixed-income electronic trading platforms.
Christopher received praise from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in two letters. In the letters, President Carter encouraged Kenny to continue his philanthropic work and suggested that he reach out to Habitat for Humanity to explore potential partnership opportunities. Kenny and President Carter volunteered for the charity, highlighting their mutual dedication to helping those in need.
President Carter’s recognition of Kenny’s philanthropic work highlights the importance of sustainable energy and disaster relief efforts in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. Through his continued dedication to these causes, Kenny has demonstrated the power of individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world.
In short, Christopher Kenny advocates for sustainable energy through technology development and implementing that technology in disaster relief situations. Via Solar’s development and testing of alternative energy technologies in real-world conditions has made it much more feasible for The Preservation Earth Project to provide quality, long-term solutions. The development of both organizations has reflected his concern and demonstrated his continued commitment to promoting sustainable practices and positively impacting the world.
