When it comes to saving our environment, it is not a question of “when” but a question of “how”. Things like climate change and global warming are no longer just a topic of discussion, they are some of the most critical problems we have to face now. Regardless of what some world leaders say, our planet is in grave danger and things have to change if we want to sustain it for our future generations.
The good news is that not everyone is asleep when it comes to deforestation, climbing temperatures, ocean acidification, air pollution and thousand more. There are many who have been working for years to solve these existential threats. Some of the most promising solutions for these problems involves technology.
It is no secret that we all depend heavily on technology for even the minutest of tasks. so, it makes sense that technology will be the one that saves our planet too. According to scientists, there are several technologies- old and new that can help us protect our environment if we use them correctly. Given below is a list of technologies that, if developed strategically, can change the course of our future.
Solar Glass
Have you ever thought how amazing it would be if every window in a building could generate energy? Well, a decade ago this would have been impossible. However, it is very much possible today. Solar Glass is a transparent window material that also works like a solar panel. The biggest hurdle now is efficiency. While most solar cell can achieve 25% or more efficiency rates, the transparency aspect lowers the percent of light that is converted into electricity. However, this problem is being solved by the University of Michigan.
Graphene
A theoretical material until recently, Graphene is a miracle material that is stronger than still but thinner than paper. This ultra-thin layer of graphite was discovered at the University of Manchester in 2004. Currently, it is under intense research and development and is predicted to be the next big thing after bronze, steel, silicon and more. Graphene is just one-atom thick and is flexible, highly conductive as well as transparent, which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications that will heal out planet like photovoltaic uses, water filtration and more.
Biodegradable Plastic
Most of us have grown up listening not to use plastic as it is detrimental for our planet. Putting an end to single use plastic and similar products like plastic straws have never been more vital. We have to shift towards plant-based plastic that is biodegradable. There are several brands in the market that have been in business for years making bio-plastic from cassava. It is also important to become responsible while using products like these and knowing their life cycles.
Plant Based Meat
Everybody knows that meat production is hollowing our planet. It is one of the biggest reasons for deforestation in the world, especially in South and Central America, resulting in releasing unparalleled carbon into the atmosphere. This problem can easily be solved by switching from meat to plant-based meats. While some people may question them, they are great alternatives for meat. While the it is not trending in India, in countries like America, they have become culturally hip.
Renewable Energy
One of the best ways to save our environment is to generate energy resources that are sustainable. Fossil fuels like petroleum, coal and natural gas are non-renewable, which is why scientists all over the world are looking for ideas to generate energy using technology. Electric cars, wind energy and solar energy are all great alternatives for fossil fuels. However, the biggest shortcoming is time and money. While resources may be available, an everyday man simply cannot afford to switch to a Tesla. There are companies like Form Energy that are developing “aqueous sulphur-flow batteries” that will bring down the cost of batteries marginally.
Sensors to Measure the Planet
No one starts a renovation on their house before mapping it and making a list of everything that needs to be done. Similarly, to save or planet, we have to measure it first. fortunately, a technology called distributed sensors among others have already started doing that. These networked sensors are as small as a dime and are already monitoring water and air quality, identifying pollutants and taking into account real-time data on everything that is valuable to our wellbeing.
Smart Grids
Smart-grids is not a single technology. It is more of a concept that uses several technologies involving energy, networking, distribution, sensing technologies and automation to design a grid especially for the 21st century. If the concept gets approval, we can fine tune our energy production, reduce overproduction and even store renewable energy. Basically, smart grids will enable energy to be produced locally (on a household level) and feed it back upstream, which will decrease fluctuations in output and usage.
Carbon Capture
Nowadays, everyone keeps talking about their carbon footprint, which is brilliant for our environment as carbon dioxide is heating up our planet. It is important for everyone to be accountable and keep their carbon footprint as minimum as possible. However, we have an emerging class of different technologies- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) that will play a pivotal role in saving our planet. The world’s first carbon capture plant opened in Switzerland in 2017. There are now several more plants developed in Canada and US. If this technology becomes successful at a large scale, it could help us solve one of the biggest threats of our existence.
Nuclear Fusion
The sun is powered by nuclear fusion, which forms helium. For many decades now, our scientists have been continuously working on equipping this process to create terrestrial power that will also be sustainable. This technology can change the doomed future of our planet as this energy has zero-carbon emissions. The current process that powers our nuclear planets now is nuclear fission. However, that results in production of radioactive nuclear waste that lives for a long time. It was estimated the to create nuclear fusion power, it would take at least 30 years. But there is an MIT team working that may just do it in 15 years.
Artificial Intelligence
We all know that Artificial Intelligence is the future. It is the technology that will govern us in coming years. Microsoft has a program called “AI for Earth” that has given over 200 research grants to everyone who is using AI for planetary health in 4 areas- climate, biodiversity, agriculture and water. There are many machine learning algorithms that are currently studying icy surfaces and measuring changes over time. Many researchers are planting new forests with the help of AI to maximize “carbon sequestration”. Agriculture is another sector that will completely transform for the better due to AI by reducing use of pesticides and lowering water consumption on a large scale. AI will most probably revolutionize how we live life. It will help us undo all the damage we have done to our planet. But humans should not forget, it also has the power to destroy us.
