The thing is that those batteries are messing up the earth as well. Lithium mining in Africa is contaminating the planet as well. It's not as simple as making 'solar panels.' We are nowhere near finding the kind of energy source that will replace the degree of energy we are currently using. Maybe in a 100 years, but we won't be around that long if we continue as we are.

The only viable solution we have is to change the economic system and start using considerable less energy than we have now.

By the way, Al Gore never really understood the problem in any depth either. His house requires enough electricity to feed a small village.