Chapter Four: Solar Revolution

In Part Four of her controversial expose' from 2076, Cory shifts her focus to the massive turnaround in the world economy during the years following the Great Collapse.  A radical revamping of global energy production leads to SOLAR becoming the accepted source for powering the planet.

Developments within the “photovoltaic” industry come fast and furious from drawing board to reality, leading to an economic boom.  Millions of unemployed Europeans and North Americans desperate for steady work once again find good-paying jobs, in that what's required will be the placement of thousands of square kilometers of solar mirrors in order to establish a modernized energy grid.  

But by 2046, a new opportunity comes to light which creates an even bigger stir within the scientific community:  Scientists announce plans for mining the solar system for precious metals and minerals necessary for powering the new global economy.  It starts with the Earth’s moon and eventually expands to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  The moon provides Helium 3.  Asteroids provide platinum.  It won't be long before nuclear fusion-powered spacecraft will become a reality.