In recent years, a prevailing topic that has been on the lips of most people is climate change. The issue of climate change is one that has affected the world’s ecosystem, whether in developed or developing countries. Mainly caused by the activities of man in his environment, including pollution and natural resource depletion, climate change has led to the loss of lives, properties and innumerable damages. This has presented a rising need for sustainable practices for the survival of humans and planet Earth. Several treaties and agreements have been signed by world leaders to check the impact of climate change on the environment. These include the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
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The agreements and efforts towards addressing climate change show that everyone understands how important the environment is and the need to protect it. Now, just try to imagine for a moment a world where our environment is safe, where your home can generate its own electricity (no, not from Diesel or Petrol Generators), and your vehicles can run on nothing but water vapour. Don’t you think there will be less pollution in our environment?
Well, the good news I have for you is that this is no longer something just to be imagined. It is today an unfolding reality made possible by Green Technology, or if you like, GreenTech.
This article discusses what green technology is and the role it plays in achieving sustainable development practices. It also highlights the green technology innovations available in our world today.
What is Green Technology?
Green technology refers to Innovations aimed at contributing positively to a sustainable future using renewable resources to drive environmental, economic and social growth. Green Technology is not just a trend – it is a movement with companies and businesses all over the world are keying into.
Powerful Green Technology Innovations
1. Renewable Energy Resources
Over the years, the sun and wind have powered our planet, but only recently have we started harnessing their power fully. Renewable energy includes solar, wind, hydro and geothermal power. Previously viewed as an alternative source, these renewable energies are fast becoming the standard.
- Solar Power: Energy harnessed from the sun through solar panels is capable of generating massive electricity at a lower cost, with the Perovskite solar cell being the fastest innovation in solar energy. In a few years to come, homes, offices, and cities will become energy-generating hubs.
- Wind Energy: Wind turbines are not left out in the innovation process, as offshore wind farms are beginning to harness powerful oceanic winds, thus generating energy on a massive scale.
- Geothermal Power: Derived from the heat of the earth, geothermal energy is being used to generate clean energy for global use.
2. Waste Management
The waste management system is also evolving with technologies revolutionising how we handle waste products through recycling, composting and waste-to-energy conversion. For instance, plastic recycling technologies help in the breaking down and purification of plastic waste, and chemical recycling helps to recycle mixed plastic waste.
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3. Green Transportation
Green Technology is changing the transportation industry with the electric vehicle (EV) market rapidly expanding, hydrogen fuel cells are emerging for buses, trucks and ships, and the era of electric planes is here, offering zero carbon emissions.
4. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
With these technologies, carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes are captured and stored underground, creating a safer environment for people to work, live and thrive.
5. Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The agricultural industry is not left out in the innovative process leading to sustainable agricultural practices. With data analytics and IoT devices, farm practices are optimised for monitoring crop health, weather patterns and soil conditions.
The Role of Green Technology For Sustainability
With green technology, environmental sustainability practices are promoted, making the world a safer and more habitable place for humans. Some of the roles of green technology are:
- Reduction of Carbon Emissions: Green Technology helps to reduce carbon emissions responsible for global warming and climate change through renewable energy utilisation.
- Waste and Pollution Reduction: In the world of today, waste products are turned into valuable resources through technological innovations like waste-to-energy systems.
- Natural Resource Conservation: Green Technology also refers to the utilisation of natural resources for sustainable practices in the agricultural, transportation, and energy industries.
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Concluding Thoughts
It is indeed gladdening to know that our planet is becoming a safer and cleaner place for humans as technologies for sustainable practices are continuously emerging. Worthy to note is that despite its potential, green technology innovation is faced with challenges which can be overcome by continued investment, research and collaboration.
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