Scottish 12-year-old girl Designs Solar-Powered Heated Blanket to Protect the Homeless

Scottish 12-year-old girl Designs Solar-Powered Heated Blanket to Protect the Homeless

A 12-year-old girl from Scotland, Rebecca, has drawn praise for designing a solar-powered heated blanket aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness stay warm during cold nights.

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The innovative blanket uses lightweight solar panels to collect and store energy during the day, which is then released as heat when temperatures fall at night. The design is intended to work without fuel or external electricity, making it practical for outdoor use and emergency situations.

Cold exposure remains a serious health risk for people living on the streets, often leading to hypothermia, weakened immunity, and life-threatening infections. Rebecca focused her design on safety, portability, and affordability, ensuring the blanket could be easily distributed and used by charities and outreach organizations.

Experts say youth-led innovation can play an important role in addressing real-world challenges. Researchers and energy specialists note that small-scale solar heating solutions like Rebecca’s design could support humanitarian efforts, particularly in cold climates and areas with limited access to power.

While still a concept, the project highlights how simple, thoughtful ideas—especially from young minds—can offer practical solutions to urgent social problems and potentially save lives.

Scottish 12-year-old girl Designs Solar-Powered Heated Blanket to Protect the Homeless