Almost every aspect of our daily lives has been improved in one way or another by technology and
technology has also helped us to solve some of our biggest problems. However, technology and the
race to develop newer and better solutions for our problems has also led to the creation of
environmental issues that have now become some of the most pressing problems faced by
humanity. However, technology and technological innovations can play a big role in reducing the
effect that humans have on the planet. Let’s take a closer look at how technology can be used to
save the environment around us:
Digitalisation Reduces the Need for Paper
The production of paper is a major source of deforestation and leads to the destruction of plant life
as well as the habitats of animals. Digitalisation, however, tackles this problem head-on by reducing
the amount of paper that is used daily. From public institutions to the shops that we use
on a daily basis, more and more business is moving away from printed documents in favour of their
digital counterparts.
Applications Power Sharing of Services
Sharing applications like Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb all help to reduce the effect that our everyday
activities have on nature. Video streaming, for example, eliminates the need to create storage media
like DVDs that pollute the environment, and using services like Uber reduces the number of cars on
the road. All of these activities ultimately reduce the number of greenhouse gases we create.
Electric Mobility
Yes, electric cars and busses still have an impact on the environment, but it cannot be argued that
the impact is significantly smaller than that of conventional fossil fuel vehicles. With recent advances
in battery manufacturing and EV technology, electric mobility is becoming a real prospect for more
and more people. This will undoubtedly reduce the world’s dependency on fossil fuels and reduce
the production of harmful gasses.
Smart Home Technology
From how we heat and cool our houses to how we light them at night, smart technology
is making it easier for us to save energy and reduce the impact that our houses have on the
environment. Items like solar panels or heat pumps use significantly less energy to heat our homes
and reduce the load on the public utility infrastructure.
Renewable Technology
New and imaginative technology like solar glass makes it possible for us to integrate earth-saving
features into everyday objects. Solar glass, for example, can be used to replace existing windows
with electricity-generating ones. In this way, the same space can be used to generate electricity and
allow natural light into the building.
Tech can be Used to Monitor the Environment
From sensors that check the air quality to high-tech drones that can search for poachers or
endangered animals, technology is finding a variety of interesting applications in the world of
sustainability. After all, measuring is knowing so it only makes sense to use technology to monitor
our progress on solving issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Plant-Based Plastics
Plastic is one of the most useful objects that man has ever created, and it can be found in almost
anything. However, it is also one of the most problematic from an ecological viewpoint. Some plastic
materials can take 100s of years to decay if they can decay at all while others end up polluting the
oceans and rivers where they pose a threat to animals. However, plant-based plastics might offer an
excellent way to combat this. Not only is this form of plastic readily biodegradable, but it also does
not require harmful petroleum-based chemicals during the manufacturing process.
Graphene, the Wonder Material
Graphene is a wonder material that has a host of useful properties. It is thinner than paper and more
conductive than copper which means that it could be used in almost anything from superconductors
that can transfer electricity over long distances without big losses to high-efficiency water filtration
systems. There is even speculation that the material might be suitable for the production of ultra-efficient solar panel modules.
Imitated Meat
While mock meat might not be to everyone’s taste, it holds a host of benefits for the environment.
The meat production industry is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters and it consumes vast
amounts of water, land, and other resources. Switching over to fake meat might make a lot of sense
when you weigh the advantages it offers, especially considering that it might be possible to produce
this meat for less money which could give poorer people access to better food.
Conclusion
Technology is a very sharp double-edged sword that has the potential if applied correctly, to make
our lives much easier whilst at the same time protecting the environment. The world is waking up to
the fact that life as we know it is unsustainable and we must make changes if we are to continue
living on planet earth. Technology might just end up being our saving grace.
Author Bio: Eoin Pigott is a Business Development Associate for Wisetek, a global leader in IT Asset Disposition, Data Destruction, & IT Reuse.
