With the ever-present threat of climate change and the devastating impact it is having on the world around us, great strides need to be taken to try and reverse the damage that has been done and safeguard the planet for future generations to come.
This article will look at some of the many ways that innovative technologies are trying to change the way we live on the planet and protect the environment in the future.
Renewable energy
In comparison to fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal that have predominantly been used to power the world we live in, renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources. Fossil fuels are burned to produce energy and this has a devastating impact on the environment, creating harmful gas emissions such as carbon dioxide.
Renewable energy on the other hand generates far fewer emissions. Natural energy sources such as sunlight or wind are plentiful and can be harnessed to generate energy. Some of the most common sources of renewable energy are:
- Solar energy
- Geothermal energy
- Wind energy
- Hydropower
- Bioenergy
- Ocean energy
The advancement in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, has seen a significant reduction in the cost of clean energy, making it more competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of electricity from solar photovoltaics (PV) fell by 85% between 2010 and 2020, making it more accessible and economically viable.
Furthermore, advancements in photovoltaic cell technology have improved the average efficiency of solar panels, with some models now converting more than 22% of sunlight into electricity.
The global solar energy capacity has grown exponentially as a result. The IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2020 reports that solar energy has seen an annual growth rate of 24% over the past decade. This rapid expansion is due in part to technological innovations, including the development of floating solar farms and bifacial solar panels, which can absorb light from both sides to increase energy yield.
This trend is encouraging a shift away from carbon-intensive energy sources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Wind Energy Developments
Wind energy is another sector where technology has driven significant environmental benefits. Modern wind turbines are taller, with longer blades and more efficient designs, enabling them to capture more energy from the wind. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reported that the global wind power capacity increased by 93% from 2015 to 2020. Offshore wind farms, in particular, have become more common, with the capacity to generate large amounts of electricity due to the stronger and more consistent winds at sea.
The GWEC also highlights that wind energy is a key player in job creation, with the sector employing 1.25 million people worldwide. Technological advancements in wind turbine design and materials have not only increased efficiency but also extended the lifespan of wind farms, making them more cost-effective over time.
Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy
Hydroelectric power remains the most widely used form of renewable energy, accounting for around 60% of all renewable electricity worldwide. The technology behind hydroelectricity is well-established, with continuous improvements being made in turbine efficiency and fish passage solutions to mitigate impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
Geothermal energy, while less widespread, offers a stable and reliable source of power. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) states that geothermal plants in the United States had a capacity factor of 74.5% in 2019, significantly higher than solar (24.5%) and wind (34.8%). This means geothermal plants are capable of operating at high efficiency and output levels consistently.
Energy Storage and Grid Integration
One of the challenges with renewable energy is its variability; the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Technology has provided solutions in the form of energy storage systems, such as batteries, which can store excess energy generated during peak production times. The IEA has reported that the installation of energy storage systems is set to grow as much as twofold by 2024, compared to 2020 levels.
Smart grid technologies also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid. These systems use digital communication technology to detect and react to local changes in usage, improving the efficiency and reliability of electricity distribution.
Electric vehicles
One of the most damaging and widespread causes of air pollution is the emissions that come from motorised vehicles. Especially in built-up urban spaces and cities, the air pollution that comes from cars and other vehicles is incredibly harmful to both the environment and the people living in such spaces.
In an effort to combat this, many people are now choosing to drive electric vehicles instead. Although they are not 100% green as manufacturing the cars still produces greenhouse gases, they can be run entirely on renewable energy. Leading car manufacturers are designing new electric cars each year, and their popularity is on the increase. Electric cars on roads in the UK would seriously lower carbon emissions and would in turn help to combat climate change.
Rho Motion forecasts a 25% to 30% surge in global EV sales for 2024. Notably, December 2023 witnessed a record-breaking sale of 1.5 million units. Of the 13.6 million EVs sold globally in 2023, 9.5 million were fully electric or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while PHEVs accounted for the remaining sales.
This surge in EV adoption can be attributed to a combination of factors, including policy incentives, falling battery prices, and growing environmental awareness among consumers.
While it is true that the manufacturing of electric vehicles entails greenhouse gas emissions, the overall environmental impact of EVs is significantly lower compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
The emissions from EV production are increasingly offset by the use of renewable energy sources in manufacturing processes and throughout the vehicles’ lifecycle.
A study by the University of Cambridge concluded that electric cars could offer a 30% lower carbon footprint over their lifetime compared to petrol and diesel cars, even when accounting for electricity generation and battery production.
Lithium-ion batteries have seen substantial improvements in energy density, cost, and charging speed. The cost of lithium-ion batteries has dropped by 89% from 2010 to 2020, according to BloombergNEF. This decrease in battery costs is making EVs more affordable and accessible to a broader range of consumers.
Furthermore, research into solid-state batteries promises even greater energy densities and faster charging times, potentially revolutionizing the EV market. Solid-state batteries also reduce the reliance on rare metals and improve safety by eliminating the flammable liquid electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries.
The switch to electric vehicles has a direct and positive impact on urban air quality. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to the levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are harmful to human health and the environment. A report by the American Lung Association estimated that widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the United States by 2050 could result in 6,300 fewer premature deaths and save $72 billion in healthcare costs annually due to improved air quality.
Sensor Networks for Air and Water Quality
Air pollution control is a technique employed to reduce or remove air pollution from the atmosphere. These air pollution solutions collect harmful pollutants in the air which helps to improve air quality, particularly in an industrial environment. Using on-site air pollution solutions can help businesses operate within regulations surrounding air emissions and help keep the working environment and people working in such locations safe.
Sensor networks are increasingly being deployed to monitor the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. These sensors collect real-time data on pollutants and other environmental indicators, providing a detailed picture of environmental health.
For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to inform the public about air pollution levels. The AQI is based on data from a network of sensors that measure common pollutants like ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
Similarly, water quality sensors can detect the presence of harmful chemicals or microorganisms, ensuring that water sources remain safe for human consumption and wildlife.
The real-time data collected by these technologies is not only valuable for scientists and researchers but also plays a critical role in shaping public policy. For example, the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program provides environmental data that influences European Union policies on climate change and sustainable development.
Additionally, this wealth of data empowers individuals to make more environmentally conscious decisions. Smartphone apps that provide instant access to air quality readings or deforestation alerts help to raise public awareness and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Waste management
Waste management is a critical environmental challenge globally. Traditional methods of waste disposal, such as landfills and incineration, can have significant negative impacts on the environment, including greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and air and water pollution.
Many countries are choosing to look at new ways to process waste and come up with smart solutions to manage waste and byproducts across a number of sectors.
Recycling technology has seen substantial advancements aimed at addressing the inefficiencies and environmental issues associated with conventional recycling methods. For instance, automated sorting systems in recycling facilities use sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence to sort waste more accurately and at a faster rate than manual sorting. These systems can separate materials based on type, color, and even chemical composition, thereby improving the quality and quantity of recyclable materials recovered.
Statistics show that the global smart waste management market is expected to grow significantly. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the market was valued at $1.53 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $4.10 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9% from 2020 to 2027. This growth is indicative of the increasing adoption of technology in the sector.
Waste-to-Energy Technologies
Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies offer a way to convert waste into usable forms of energy, such as electricity, heat, or fuel. These technologies include anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis. Anaerobic digestion uses microorganisms to break down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas that can be used for heating or electricity generation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that biogas production has the potential to cover about 20% of the world’s total current electricity consumption.
Gasification and pyrolysis thermally decompose waste materials at high temperatures, producing syngas or bio-oil that can be further processed into fuels or chemicals. The adoption of these technologies not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also provides a renewable energy source that can offset the use of fossil fuels.
Smart Waste Collection Systems
Smart waste collection systems utilize sensor technology to optimize the collection process. Sensors in waste bins can monitor fill levels and signal when a pickup is needed, leading to more efficient collection routes and reduced emissions from collection vehicles.
A study by Navigant Research suggests that smart waste collection technology can reduce operational costs by up to 50% through route optimization and scheduled pickups.
Biodegradable and Compostable Materials
The development of biodegradable and compostable materials is another technological advance in waste management. These materials are designed to break down more quickly and safely in the environment compared to traditional plastics. According to the European Bioplastics Association, the global production capacity of bioplastics is expected to increase from around 2.11 million tons in 2020 to approximately 2.87 million tons by 2025.
Environmental Monitoring and Data Collection:
Technology plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring. Satellites track illegal deforestation, drones monitor wildlife populations, and sensor networks collect data on air and water quality. This real-time data empowers policymakers and individuals to make informed decisions for a healthier planet.
According to the World Resources Institute, satellite data from the Global Forest Watch project revealed that the Earth lost 12 million hectares of tree cover in 2018 alone, which included 3.6 million hectares of primary rainforest. Satellites equipped with remote sensing technology can detect changes in land cover and use, pinpointing areas where illegal deforestation is taking place. These observations enable governments and international organizations to take timely action to enforce laws and implement conservation measures.
Drones can safely and efficiently survey large areas of land, capturing high-resolution images that help researchers count animal populations and track their movements.
A study published in the journal ‘Biological Conservation’ reported that drones were more accurate than traditional on-the-ground methods when counting nesting seabirds, reducing counting errors by up to 50%. This precision is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and assessing the impacts of environmental changes on wildlife.
In marine environments, sonar and satellite tracking help monitor ocean health and protect marine life from overfishing and habitat destruction.
For example, at the Smithsonian Institution, scientists use acoustic telemetry to study marine creatures like sharks and rays. Similar to wearable devices for humans, sensor tags are attached to marine animals.
These tags act as marine “wearables,” providing valuable data on animal movements, physiology, and interactions with their environment. By cataloging these movements, we gain insights into ecology, challenges faced, and conservation needs. The data collected by these wearables helps us understand migration patterns, behavior, and habitat usage which contribute to robust ocean observation systems and aquaculture management.
Researchers also combine satellite imagery, vessel GPS data, and deep-learning models to map industrial vessel activities and offshore energy infrastructure worldwide. This mapping spans coastal waters, by monitoring human activities at sea, we can assess their impact on marine ecosystems and take informed conservation measures.
Bottom-line
Technology, once a contributor to environmental problems, is now a key ally in the fight against ecological degradation. Through cutting-edge recycling techniques, the transformation of waste into energy, the implementation of smart waste management systems, and the creation of materials that naturally break down without harming the ecosystem, we are witnessing a reduction in the ecological footprint of human activity.
The burgeoning green technology sector is creating jobs, fostering new industries, and opening up markets focused on sustainability. This economic growth is intertwined with the health of our environment, proving that ecological and economic objectives can be aligned.
As we forge ahead, the continued refinement and adoption of these technologies hold the promise of a world where environmental resilience is not just a goal but a reality. With each technological breakthrough, we are building a foundation for sustainable living that benefits both the planet and its inhabitants.
The commitment to this cause is crucial, for it is not only about preserving the environment for future generations but also about enhancing the quality of life for all species that call Earth home. The path to sustainability is complex and challenging, but with the aid of technology, it is a path that is becoming increasingly clear and attainable.
