KENT —The Kent Sustainability Team and the Kent Memorial Library are co-sponsoring a presentation, “Here Comes the Sun,” on solar energy Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Kent Town Hall.
Amid all of the political turmoil and global crises, one source of hope stands out: our ability to power modern life with zero emissions. Scientists warn that to limit global warming, emissions need to be cut significantly in the coming years to reach net-zero by mid-century. Solar power provides that solution.
The event will begin with watching a video podcast of Bill McKibben, founder of the climate justice organization 350.org and Third Act, and Chris Hayes of MSNOW discussing McKibben’s new book, “Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization,” which was published in August 2025.
This will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Lynn Mellis Worthington, chair of the Kent Sustainability Team, and will include a resident who has installed solar panels, a solar panel installer, Bill Colonis, associate director of Homeowner Engagement at Green Bank, as well as state Rep. Maria Horn of the 64th District. Kent residents with questions and who want to learn more about solar energy are encouraged to attend and bring their questions.
McKibben believes that solar energy is a true solution to the climate crisis.However, he warns that action is needed—and quickly.
“Emergencies demand urgency. If you put up a field of solar panels now, they don’t have to be there forever. But if you don’t put up a field of solar panels now, then the world will break,” he writes. “The world has exactly one path available to make the rapid changes that the climate crisis requires, and that path is sun, wind and batteries. They are available right now, in scale, at an affordable price.”
Register for this free event at www.kentmemoriallibrary.org. For more information, email kentsustainabilityteam@