Tuesday 12 October 2010

Will solar-powered lamp be 100th object of the world?

The solar-powered lamp and charger has been chosen as the fourth contender for the 100th Object of the World.

On Radio 4 this morning, the Today presenter Evan Davis inspected "a plastic and metal object that's about 15 centimetres by 10 centimetres".


The British Museum curator Ben Roberts told Davis that one and half billion people don't have access to electricity and the burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change. This small handheld object "actually addresses these global problems". Roberts explained that this small solar-powered lamp and charger could generate 100 hours of light. As the British Museum's blogger writes today,

As long as the sun shines, this object provides. It’s a life-changer and not just for a few of us. It could alter and secure the existence of billions.

The other three contenders to have been nominated are: a football shirt, a mobile phone and Antarctic clothing. The 100th object in A History of the World in 100 Objects will be announced on Thursday.

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