How solar devices can save lives in an emergency

Summary

Episode Overview

Title: How solar devices can save lives in an emergency
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, Yale Center for Environmental Communication
Guest: Erin Taylor, Upstream Access
Date: June 3, 2026

In this episode of Climate Connections, Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz explores the vital role of solar-powered backup devices for people with disabilities during power outages—especially as these outages become more frequent due to climate change-driven extreme weather. He spotlights the work of Oregon-based nonprofit Upstream Access, which provides free solar-powered tools to those in need, enabling life-saving independence and preparedness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The High Stakes of Power Outages for People with Disabilities

• Power outages are especially perilous for people with disabilities, who often rely on electricity for medical devices, refrigerated medication, and communications.
  • [00:05] Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz: “Power outages can be especially dangerous for people with disabilities. They may need to refrigerate medicine, power medical equipment or mobility devices, or charge a phone so they can call a caregiver or doctor.”

2. The Reality of Backup Power Access

• Many people with disabilities lack backup power resources, exacerbated by financial and informational barriers.
  • [00:19] Erin Taylor: “We say access to power is access to life.”
  • Upstream Access’s survey found most respondents did not have backup power in emergencies.
  • [00:33] Erin Taylor: “Most people are on a very limited income and so being able to afford the power devices, knowing which ones to buy…”

3. Upstream Access’s Solar Solution

• The nonprofit has distributed over 300 solar-powered devices free of charge over two years.

  • [00:41] Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz: “Over the past two years, it’s given away more than 300 solar powered devices for free.”

• Devices provided include solar lights, backup batteries, panels, phone chargers, and more.

  • [00:50] Erin Taylor: “And that might be lights, it might be a backup battery, might be a small solar panel, might be a phone charger.”

4. Customized Assistance and Confidence-Building

• Upstream Access assesses individual needs and technologies to find the best device for each person.

  • [00:58] Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz: “It’s not a one size fits all approach. Her team considers each person’s needs and any assistive technology they use…”

• They also train recipients to ensure confidence and competence before an emergency hits.

  • [01:08] Erin Taylor: “A lot of our work has to do with making sure people feel confident and they’re able to kind of play around, get used to them ahead of time.”

• The goal: preparedness before extreme weather or grid failures occur.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We say access to power is access to life.”
  — Erin Taylor [00:19]

• “Most people are on a very limited income and so being able to afford the power devices, knowing which ones to buy…”
  — Erin Taylor [00:33]

• “A lot of our work has to do with making sure people feel confident and they’re able to kind of play around, get used to them ahead of time…”
  — Erin Taylor [01:08]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 – 00:19: dangers of outages for people with disabilities
• 00:19 – 00:33: Erin Taylor introduces the stakes and the nonprofit’s findings
• 00:41 – 00:58: distribution of solar devices and examples
• 00:58 – 01:15: customized support and preparing for emergencies

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Conclusion

This brief yet impactful episode demonstrates how equitable access to clean energy tools isn’t just about climate resilience—it’s about safety, independence, and dignity for vulnerable communities. Upstream Access’s work, as presented by Erin Taylor, offers a hopeful model for climate adaptation that centers the needs of people with disabilities.

To learn more or support the cause, visit climateconnections.org.

Transcript

[A]

I'm Dr. Anthony Liesiewicz and this is Climate Connections. Power outages can be especially dangerous for people with disabilities. They may need to refrigerate medicine, power medical equipment or mobility devices, or charge a phone so they can call a caregiver or doctor.

[B]

We say access to power is access to life.

[A]

Yet Erin Taylor of the nonprofit Upstream Access says the overwhelming majority of people with disabilities that her group surveyed said they did not have backup power they could use in an emergency.

[B]

Most people are on a very limited income and so being able to afford the power devices, knowing which ones to buy.

[A]

So her Oregon based nonprofit has stepped in to help. Over the past two years, it's given away more than 300 solar powered devices for free.

[B]

And that might be lights, it might be a backup battery, might be a small solar panel, might be a phone charger.

[A]

It's not a one size fits all approach. Her team considers each person's needs and any assistive technology they use before matching them with a device and teaching them how to use it.

[B]

A lot of our work has to do with making sure people feel confident and they're able to kind of play around, get used to them ahead of time

[A]

so they're prepared when extreme weather hits and the grid goes down. Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.