Clever uses of coconut oil.

Here are 20 clever uses for coconut oil.

1. Protection From Sun

Coconut oil may protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause wrinkling, brown spots and raise your risk of skin cancer.

In fact, one study found that it blocks about 20% of the sun’s UV rays.

However, keep in mind that it doesn’t provide the same amount of protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks about 90% of UV rays.

On the other hand, it contains none of the potentially harmful chemicals found in commercial sunscreens.

2. Increase Your Metabolism

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are fatty acids that are quickly absorbed and can increase the amount of calories you burn.

Controlled studies have shown that MCTs can significantly boost your metabolic rate, at least temporarily.

One study found that, on average, 15–30 grams of MCTs increased calorie expenditure by around 120 calories over a 24-hour period.

3. Cook Safely at High Temperatures

Coconut oil has a very high saturated fatcontent. In fact, about 87% of its fat is saturated.

This feature makes it one of the best fats for high-heat cooking, including frying.

Saturated fats retain their structure when heated to high temperatures, unlike the polyunsaturated fatty acids found invegetable oils.

Oils such as corn and safflower are converted into toxic compounds when heated. These may have harmful effects on health.

There is no reason to fear the saturated fats in coconut oil. New studies show that they have no link to heart disease risk.

4. Improve Your Dental Health

Coconut oil can be a powerful weapon against bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. This is the bacteria in the mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease.

In one study, swishing with coconut oil for 10 minutes (known as oil pulling) reduced these bacteria as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

In another study, swishing daily with coconut oil significantly reduced inflammation and plaque in teenagers with gingivitis (inflamed gums).

5. Relieve Skin Irritation and Eczema

Research shows that coconut oil improves dermatitis and other skin disorders at least as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers.

In a study of children with eczema, 47% of those treated with coconut oil had major improvements.

6. Improve Brain Function

The MCTs in coconut oil are broken down by the liver and turned into ketones, which can act as an alternative energy source for the brain.

Several studies have found MCTs to have impressive benefits for brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.

Some researchers recommend using coconut oil as a source of MCTs to increase the production of ketone.

7. Make Healthy Mayonnaise

Commercial mayonnaise often contains soybean oil, added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients.

However, it’s easy to make your own mayo with much healthier ingredients, including coconut oil or olive oil.

Recipe number two on this list uses coconut oil as one of the fats for a healthy homemade mayonnaise.

8. Moisturize Your Skin

Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms and elbows.

You can use it on your face as well, although this isn’t recommended for those with very oily skin.

It can also help repair cracked heels. Simply apply a thin coat to your heels at bedtime, put on socks and continue on a nightly basis until your heels are smooth.

9. Fight Infections

Virgin coconut oil has strong antibacterial properties that can help treat infections.

One study found that it helped stop the growth of the intestinal bacteria Clostridium difficile, commonly known as “C. diff,” which causes severe diarrhea.

It also appears to fight several other bacteria and yeasts — an effect generally attributed to lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil.

10. Increase Your HDL Cholesterol

Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels in some people.

However, its strongest and most consistent effect is an increase in HDL cholesterol, which is known as the “good” cholesterol.

One study of women with abdominal obesityfound that HDL increased in a group consuming coconut oil.

In contrast, women consuming soybean oil had a decrease in HDL cholesterol (21).

11. Provide Relief from Insect Bites and Stings

Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve the pain or itch caused by insect bites or stings. It may also reduce swelling and decrease risk of infection.

To try this, gently rub a small amount onto the bite and cover with a bandage.

12. Make Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate

Homemade dark chocolate is a delicious way to get coconut oil’s health benefits.

Just remember to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, since coconut oil melts at 76°F (24°C).

Here’s a delicious recipe for sugar-free dark chocolate candy bars made with coconut oil.

13. Reduce Belly Fat

Coconut oil may help reduce belly fat, also known as visceral fat, which is linked to increased health risks such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

In one study, obese men lost 1 inch (2.54 cm) from their waist fat by adding 2 tablespoons (1 oz or 30 ml) of coconut oil to their diet.

Another study looked at women on calorie-restricted diets. Those who took 2 tablespoons of coconut oil per day had a decrease in waist size, while the soybean oil group actually had a slight increase (21).

14. Protect Your Hair from Damage

Coconut oil can help keep your hair healthy.

One study compared the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil and sunflower oil on hair.

Only coconut oil significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This result occurred with damaged as well as healthy hair.

The researchers concluded that the unique structure of lauric acid, the main fatty acid in coconut oil, can penetrate the hair shaft in a way that most other fats can’t.

15. Massage Your Newborn

Massaging newborns with oil has been shown to promote normal weight gain and growth.

One study suggests that coconut oil may be the best type of oil to use for this purpose.

Premature babies who were massaged with coconut oil for 30 days gained significantly more weight than those massaged with mineral oil for the same time period.

16. Decrease Hunger and Food Intake

The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil may help reduce hunger, leading to a spontaneous decrease in calorie intake.

In a small study, men who followed a high-MCT diet took in fewer calories and lost more weight than men who ate diets with low or medium MCT content.

17. Improve Wound Healing

One study found that rats whose wounds were treated with coconut oil had a reduction in inflammatory markers and increased production of collagen, a major component of skin. As a result, their wounds healed much faster.

To speed healing of minor cuts or scrapes, apply a little bit of coconut oil directly to the wound and cover it with a bandage.

18. Boost Bone Health

Animal research suggests that the the antioxidants in virgin coconut oil may protect bone health by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage bone cells.

A 6-week study of rats showed that the group receiving 8% of their calories from coconut oil had significantly more bone volume and improved bone structure.

19. Make a Nontoxic Insect Repellent

Some essential oils may be a natural way to keep bugs away and avoiding bites and stings.

However, rather than applying these oils directly to your skin, they need to be combined with a carrier oil.

In one study, combining Thai essential oils with coconut oil provided over 98% protection from the bites of certain mosquitoes.

20. Combat Candida

Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for yeast infections, which commonly occur in warm, moist areas of the body such as the mouth or vagina.

Test-tube studies suggest that coconut oil may help fight candida infections.

Researchers found coconut oil to be as effective as fluconazole, the antifungal medication typically prescribed for candida infections.1

How to increase your testosterone level.

During puberty in boys, testosterone is one of the main drivers of physical changes like increased muscle, deeper voice and hair growth.

However, having optimal levels is also important throughout adulthood and even during old age.

In adults, healthy levels are important for general health, disease risk, body composition, sexual function and just about everything else.

Additionally, increasing your testosterone levels can cause rapid gains in muscle mass and vitality in only a matter of weeks.

Interestingly, it also plays an important role in female health and sexual well-being.

The research is pretty conclusive: both genders should ensure they have healthy levels of testosterone, especially as they age

Here are 7 evidence-based ways to increase testosterone levels naturally.

1. Exercise and Lift Weights

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent many lifestyle-related diseases. Interestingly, it can also boost your testosterone.

A large review study found that people who exercised regularly had higher testosterone levels. In the elderly, exercise increases testosterone levels, fitness and reaction time.

New research in obese men suggests that increased physical activity was even more beneficial than a weight loss diet for increasing testosterone levels.

Resistance training, such as weight lifting, is the best type of exercise to boost testosterone in both the short- and long-term.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also be very effective, although all types of exercise should work to some extent.

Taking caffeine and creatine monohydrate as supplements may further boost your levels when combined with a training program.

Bottom Line: All forms of exercise may increase your testosterone levels. Weight lifting and high-intensity interval training are the most effective.

2. Eat Protein, Fat and Carbs

What you eat has a major impact on testosterone as well as other hormone levels.

Therefore, you must pay attention to your long-term calorie intake and diet strategy.

Constant dieting or overeating may disrupt your testosterone levell.

Eating enough protein can help maintain healthy levels and aid in fat loss, which is also associated with your testosterone.

Carb intake also plays a role, with research showing carbs can help optimize testosterone levels during resistance training.

However, research demonstrates that sufficient healthy fats are also beneficial for testosterone and health.

A diet based mainly on whole foods is best, with a healthy balance of fat, protein and carbs. This can optimize both hormone levels and long-term health.

Bottom Line: Don’t overeat and don’t restrict calories too much for too long. Try to eat balanced amounts of carbs, fat and protein.

3. Minimize Stress and Cortisol Levels

Research is always highlighting the dangers of long-term stress, which can elevate levels of the hormone cortisol.

Unnatural elevations in cortisol can quickly reduce testosterone. These hormones work in a seesaw-like manner: as one goes up, the other comes down.

Stress and high cortisol can also increase food intake, weight gain and the storage ofharmful body fat around your organs. In turn, these changes may negatively impact your testosterone levels.

For both optimal health and hormone levels, you should try to reduce repetitive stressful situations in your life.

Focus on a diet based on whole foods, regular exercise, good sleep, laughter and a balanced lifestyle, all of which can reduce stress and improve your health and testosterone levels

Bottom Line: High levels of stress are bad for your long-term health and can reduce your testosterone levels.

4. Get Some Sun or Take a Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular vitamins.

Research has shown that it has various health benefits, and may also work as a natural testosterone booster.

Despite its importance, nearly half of the US population is deficient in vitamin D, and an even higher percentage has sub-optimal levels.

A 12-month study found that supplementing with around 3,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day increased testosterone levels by around 25%.

In the elderly, vitamin D and calcium also optimized testosterone levels, which led to a reduced risk of falling.

To boost testosterone and reap the other benefits of vitamin D, try to get regular exposure to sunlight or take around 3,000 IU of a vitamin D3 supplement daily.

More information on vitamin D here: Vitamin D 101 — A Detailed Beginner’s Guide.

Bottom Line: Vitamin D3 supplements may boost testosterone levels, especially in the elderly and people who have low blood levels of vitamin D.

5. Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Although the benefits of multivitamins are hotly debated, specific vitamins and minerals may be beneficial.

In one study, zinc and vitamin B supplements increased sperm quality by 74%. Zinc also boosts testosterone in athletes and those who are deficient in zinc.

Other studies also suggest vitamins A, C and E can play a role in your sex hormone and testosterone levels, although more research is needed.

Out of all the vitamins and minerals available, the research on testosterone shows vitamin D and zinc supplements may be best.

Bottom Line: Vitamin D and zinc have the strongest evidence as testosterone boosters. Other micronutrients may also have benefits, but require further research.

6. Get Plenty of Restful, High-Quality Sleep

Getting good sleep is just as important for your health as diet and exercise.

It may also have major effects on your testosterone levels.

The ideal amount of sleep varies from person to person, but one study found that sleeping only 5 hours per night was linked to a 15% reduction in testosterone levels.

One long-term study observed that those who slept only four hours per night had borderline deficient levels.

Other long-term studies support this. One study calculated that for every additional hour of sleep you get, testosterone levels rise 15% higher, on average.

Although some people seem to do fine with less sleep, research suggests around 7–10 hours of sleep per night is best for long-term health and your testosterone.

Bottom Line: Make sure you get plenty of high-quality sleep to maintain healthy testosterone levels and optimize your long-term health.

7. Take Some of These Natural Testosterone Boosters

Only a few natural testosterone boosters are supported by scientific studies.

The herb with the most research behind it is called ashwagandha.

One study tested the effects of this herb on infertile men and found a 17% increase in testosterone levels and a 167% increase in sperm count.

In healthy men, ashwagandha increased levels by 15%. Another study found it lowered cortisol by around 25%, which may also aid testosterone.

Ginger extract may also boost your levels. It is a delicious herb that also provides various other health benefits.

Most of the research on ginger has been done in animals. However, one study in infertile humans found that ginger can boost testosterone levels by 17% and increase levels of other key sex hormones.

Other popular herbs that are supported by some studies in both animals and humans include horny goat weed, Mucuna pruriens,shilajit and tongkat ali.

Yet it’s important to note that most of the positive research has been conducted in mice or infertile humans with low testosterone levels.

If you have healthy testosterone function and normal levels, it is unclear whether you will benefit much from these supplements.

Bottom Line: Several herbal supplements are a natural way to boost testosterone for those with infertility or low levels.

Benefit of lemon water.

This article uses scientific evidence to explore the benefits and myths of lemon water.

What is Lemon Water?

Lemon water is simply the juice from lemons mixed with water.

The amount of lemon you use depends on your personal preference, and this drink can be enjoyed either cold or hot.

Some people also choose to add lemon rind, mint leaf or other ingredients.

Lemon water has become a popular morning beverage, since it’s been claimed to help improve your mood, energy levels, immune system and metabolic health.

This is what a glass of lemon water looks like:

Bottom Line: Lemon water is simply water mixed with fresh lemon juice. Additional ingredients can be added.

Lemon Water Nutrition Facts

For the purpose of this article, the definition of lemon water is one glass of water mixed with the juice from half a lemon.

This is the nutrient breakdown for one glass:

• Calories: 9.
• Sugars: Less than 1 gram.
• Vitamin C: 25% of the RDI.
• Folate: 1% of the RDI.
• Potassium: 1% of the RDI.

One glass does not seem to provide a lot of nutrients, but drinking lemon water is a low-calorie and low-sugar beverage that can boost your vitamin C intake.

For comparison, if you replaced half a lemon with half an orange, it would double the calories and sugar in your drink .

Additionally, remember that the exact nutritional value depends on how much lemon juice you add, as well as any other ingredients.

Bottom Line: Lemon water is high in vitamin C, relative to its calorie and sugar content. It also contains trace amounts of folate and potassium.

Lemon Water Contains Antioxidants

Lemon water contains other beneficial substances, and is a source of plant compounds called flavonoids.

Many have antioxidant properties that appear to help protect your cells from damage.

Flavonoids from citrus fruits are often linked with benefits for blood circulation, insulin sensitivity and other aspects of metabolic health.

Lemon flavonoids also have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and damage, at least in rats.

All that said, there are no human studies to support these findings, so they may not be as useful in real life.

Bottom Line: Lemon water contains compounds that may protect your cells and improve metabolic health. However, human studies are needed.

Lemon Water May Help Treat Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are solid mineral formations that collect in the kidneys.

The most common type is made of a substance called calcium oxalate, and is typically treated with a compound called citrate.

Increasing the amount of citrate in your urine is thought to prevent calcium from binding with other compounds and forming stones.

In short, citrate restores the urine’s ability to prevent kidney stone formation.

Lemon water contains high amounts of citrate, and numerous human studies have found it can successfully help treat kidney stones.

It appears to be most effective when used alongside potassium citrate, the supplement form of citrate. However, lemon water may also be a good alternative for those who don’t tolerate potassium citrate as a first-line treatment.

Bottom Line: Studies show that lemon water can help treat kidney stones. It appears most effective alongside conventional therapy, but may also be a useful alternative treatment.

Lemon Water Has The Benefits of Regular Water

Lemon water is water with a bit of lemon added, which means it has all the benefits of regular water.

Drinking plenty of water is known to have benefits for:

• Weight loss: Increases feelings of fullness and boosts metabolism slightly, which can help with weight loss.
• Mental health: Optimizes mood and memory.
• Digestive health: Helps relieve constipation.
• Exercise performance: Improves athletic performance.

Bottom Line: Drinking enough water has many health benefits. It can help you lose weight, feel great and improve your athletic performance.

Common Myths About Lemon Water and Health

There are many additional health claims surrounding lemon water, but most are not supported by any scientific evidence.

In fact, some have even been disproved. Below are 6 of the most common myths.

Myth 1: The Fiber in it Helps You Lose Weight

Lemons contain a type of fiber called pectin, which helps reduce your appetite and calorie intake.

However, lemon water is basically filtered, heavily diluted lemon juice, which leaves it with only trace amounts of pectin. Even a whole lemon only contains 2 grams of fiber in total.

There is no evidence that lemon water has any more benefits for weight loss than plain water.

Myth 2: It Alkalizes Your Body

According to proponents of the alkaline diet, foods leave an “ash” in your system that influences the pH of your body — how acidic or alkaline it becomes.

Lemon water is said to be alkalizing. However, neither the pH of your blood nor cells can be altered by what you eat.

Myth 3: It Fights Cancer

This claim emerged from the alkaline diet myth and is built on the premise that cancer cells cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.

While cancer cells do prefer the cells around them to be acidic, studies show they can grow in alkaline environments as well. Also, cancer cells create their own acidic environment, and eating alkalizing food doesn’t stop it.

Myth 4: It Cleanses and Detoxes

Water helps eliminate waste from your body through urination and healthy bowel movements. However, nothing in lemon water improves this process.

In fact, most claims that foods or beverages cleanse or detoxify your organs are simply untrue.

Myth 5: It Raises Your IQ

Drinking water — lemon-flavored or otherwise — may help you feel more focused in the morning, but it cannot increase intelligence.

Myth 6: It Has Natural Diuretic Effects

This may be true to a small extent, but it’s so misleading that it’s worth mentioning.

Any food that contains potassium can potentially increase urine output — that means virtually all fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products.

Additionally, the more water you drink, the more you will urinate.

Bottom Line: The majority of the health claims are speculative and exaggerated. In some cases they have been proven to be false.

Does it Have Any Harmful Effects?

Lemon water is perfectly safe to drink.

However, the acid in lemons can damage your tooth enamel over time, which makes your teeth more prone to cavities.

You can manage this easily by drinking lemon water with a straw whenever possible, to avoid contact with your teeth.

Also, you should rinse your mouth with water and then brush your teeth within a reasonable amount of time after drinking it.

Bottom Line: Lemon water is safe to consume. However, it may damage your tooth enamel if you drink if often.

Does the Temperature of Lemon Water Matter?

The best temperature to drink lemon water is a highly debated topic.

For example, some claim cold water helps burn extra calories. Others believe warm water helps improve digestive health.

There is very little research to support either side, and it’s highly unlikely the temperature makes any meaningful difference.

Therefore, it simply comes down to what you feel like at the time.

Bottom Line: There is no strong evidence showing that the water is best consumed either hot or cold. Choose the temperature you enjoy most.

How to Make Your Own Lemon Water

Most recipes suggest using the juice from half a lemon mixed with a glass of water. You can tweak the amounts from there or add other ingredients.

Take Home Message

Lemon water is a healthy drink that can add a good amount of vitamin C to your diet.

It’s a fantastic, flavorful alternative to plain water that has several health benefits.

Klinefelter’s Syndrome: Being Unable To Produce Testosterone.

     This is part of our series on hidden or stigmatised health conditions in men. Read the other articles in the series here.

     Klinefelter’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately one in 450 males. Each cell in the human body has 23 pairs of chromosomes. The sex chromosomes in a female are XX, and XY in men. Typically, men have 46 chromosomes with an arrangement of 46XY, while those with Klinefelter’s syndrome have a 47XXY arrangement.

The chromosomal arrangement in someone with Klinefelter’s.

     Klinefelter’s syndrome is not commonly diagnosed, with only four in 10 men diagnosed after birth and10% diagnosed pre-puberty. Klinefelter’s syndrome is not typically diagnosed at birth, although physical characteristics may include a small penis and undescended testicles.

     Klinefelter’s syndrome is the most common form ofhypogonadism, where men are unable to produce sperm or sufficient levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone. The low levels of testosterone result in the underdevelopment of typical male characteristics.

Symptoms of Klinefelter’s syndrome vary between individuals, but typically include small testicles, lack of facial, pubic and underarm hair, gynaecomastia (breast tissue enlargement), poor muscle development, disproportionately long arms and legs (compared to the body), and potential learning and language difficulties.

     As adults, men with Klinefelter’s syndrome are infertile, as the extra X chromosome affects the ability to produce sperm, known as azoospermia. Men with this condition may also experience a low libido, depression and are at risk of osteoporosis.

Causes

     While Klinefelter’s syndrome is a genetic disorder, it is not one that is inherited, as brothers of men with Klinefelter’s syndrome typically have the 46XY pattern.

     The addition of the extra X chromosome is believed to occur as a random event during the formation of the reproductive cells, either within the fertilised egg or during cell division as the baby develops.

Diagnosis

     Klinefelter’s syndrome can be diagnosed through a variety of tests. Physical examination of the genitals will confirm the size of the testes, with the size typically less than four millilitres (the size of a sultana grape).

     Klinefelter’s syndrome can be confirmed using a blood test, which involves chromosomal analysis. Further blood tests can also examine the levels of testosterone (and other sex hormones), as well as semen examination for levels of sperm. Klinefelter’s syndrome may also be diagnosed prenatally, through maternal blood testing.

Treatment

     Men diagnosed with Klinefelter’s syndrome cannot be cured; rather treatment aims to overcome some aspects of the symptoms. Hormone therapy, specifically testosterone replacement, is a lifelong therapy that increases physical strength, body tone and general wellbeing in men.

     Testosterone therapy is available in various formats including gels, injections, lotions, creams and patches. If diagnosis occurs during the teenage years, testosterone therapy is initiated at a low dose and increased through the adult years.

     In some men with Klinefelter’s syndrome, sperm may be found in the testicular tissue. For such men, assisted reproductive therapies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used to achieve pregnancy with their partners. ICSI is a form of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) whereby a single sperm is injected into each egg during the IVF procedure.

     Donor insemination and adoption are alternatives in cases where assisted reproductive therapies are not an option.

     Cosmetic surgery may be performed to remove the enlarged breast tissue. Counselling, physical and speech therapy may also be performed to assist men with the psychosocial aspects of the diagnosis.

Why Is It Hidden?

     Lack of knowledge, awareness and psychosocial impact are all reasons Klinefelter’s syndrome is typically underdiagnosed. Men typically use health services less frequently than women. Even when men do see a doctor, a reproductive health examination is not routinely performed.

Few men have ever heard of Klinefelter’s syndrome, and similarly would be unaware of the symptoms. For example, many men would not know what the typical size of the testes is, and so may be unaware they have small testes.

In teenagers, symptoms of Klinefelter’s syndrome may be clouded by learning problems and the onset of puberty, with Klinefelter’s syndrome not primary in the thoughts of many health professionals. Embarrassment, stoicism and fear of the unknown are common psychosocial issues perceived by men that prevent them from seeing their doctor about reproductive health issues.

     Treatment and management strategies for Klinefelter’s syndrome can ensure men diagnosed with the condition have good health outcomes. Further engagement with Klinefelter’s syndrome support groups can provide men with peer support and assist in overcoming any perceived psychosocial barriers associated with its diagnosis.

Germany Just Produced So Much Renewable Energy That It Had To Pay People To Use It

      Electricity bills are often ludicrously high thanks to our energy-intensive modern world, but every now and then, thanks to the forces of nature, a metaphorical miracle takes place. As reported byQuartz, Germany just experienced such a phenomenon when a particularly bright and sunny day supercharged their solar and wind power sectors.

Around 1 p.m. on May 8, the nation’s renewable energy generating facilities were supplying around 55 gigawatts of the 63 gigawatts being consumed – about 87 percent of the total electricity consumption. With the addition of the country’s conventional power plants, the output actually exceeded the national demand. This energy surplus meant that, for a brief time, energy prices were actually negative, meaning consumers were effectively being paid to consume electricity.

      A similar feat occurred in Denmark last year, when a terrifically windy day boosted their wind power sector so much that these turbines alone generated 140 percent of the nation’s electricity demand, with the excess energy being exported to Germany, Norway, and Sweden.

      According to a United Nations report, Germany intends to be one of the frontrunners when it comes to renewable energy; it has pledged to be powered entirely by renewable energy sources by 2050, an ambitious feat to say the least. Days like May 8 serve to give this ambition genuine credibility.

Consumers were being paid to buy energy. Agora Energiewende

      A recent study suggested that all the pieces are in place for an energy revolution. Fossil fuels would be rejected, and renewable and nuclear energy would take over. A recent declaration by the International Energy Agency, that over a quarter of the world will be powered by renewable energy by 2020, seems to imply that this may be the case – as does the Paris climate change agreement, which can only be successfully implemented if fossil fuels are ditched in favor of renewables.

      Countries all over the world are stepping up to the plate, including Germany. Sweden has initiated legislative and infrastructural changes to put it on track to becoming the world’s first fossil fuel-free nation; Morocco will soon have a 24/7 concentrated solar power plant that will be able to constantly supply the entire region; the U.S., Canada, and China have all agreed to cooperate to end their reliance on fossil fuels.

As always, though, it’s complicated. Many nations increasing their renewable energy generation capabilities are also scaling back on their nuclear power plants, particularly Germany. If they hope to be fossil fuel-free in the near-future, removing their nuclear power plants – which have a near-zero carbon footprint – will greatly hinder them on their quest, along with slowing down their efforts to mitigate man-made climate change.