Exploring the Future Sustainability of Green Technology

The present condition of the environment—climate change and resource depletion is no hidden secret. At this critical point, green technology is seen as the crucial ray of hope that may offer an innovative and more sustainable future.?

As per Investopedia, “Around $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on Nov. 15, 2021, earmarks substantial allocations for green tech.” These include the largest investment in clean energy transmission and EV infrastructure in history. But will the future of green tech be as greener as its present? Here, with this article let’s take a closer look at green technology aka green tech, and explore its future possibilities.

What is green technology?

Green technology is a branch of science and technology that is working on building environmentally friendly products and services. Its last goal is not only to reduce ongoing harm to the environment but also to repair existing damage to the environment. It includes a wide area of scientific research, including energy, atmospheric science, agriculture, material science, and hydrology. For instance

• Solar panels are one of the most successful innovations in the field of green tech.
• Self-sufficient buildings produce enough energy to power themselves, generally through solar panels.
• Wave energy systems designed to generate electricity from ocean waves
• Working on waste-to-energy techniques such as burning landfills to generate electricity.

Role of Green Technology in Various Sector

Green technology has been put in use in multiple industries for various purposes. Some of them are discussed below.

Tech companies

Tech companies are creating advanced weather prediction models with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning models such as GraphCast which can predict weather faster and more accurately. These weather prediction models will help others to develop infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions.?

Automobile Sector

Automobile companies working on electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which is an alternative to carbon-emitting vehicles. As a result, the overall share of EVs in India's auto sales has risen sharply to 6.38% in 2023 from 1.75% in 2021. Also, the running cost of the EVs is much cheaper than that of the carbon-emitting vehicles. Hence, it is a practical solution to reduce carbon-emitting vehicles

Water-Waste Management

Tech giants working on innovations such as water conservation systems, wastewater treatment technologies, and marine life protection initiatives. This is helping in reducing water pollution and conserving marine life. More than 50 companies are working on the Tidal Energy Generation System which focuses on producing energy from the tides.

Agriculture sector

Green technology has been in use in the agriculture sector for a very long time because it has direct contact with the environment. Sustainable agriculture innovations, such as vertical farming and the use of biochar, help to conserve land and water resources while increasing food production. Biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from pyrolyzing agricultural and forestry wastes, not only reduces contamination but also safely stores carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation.?

Green Technology Adaption and Evolution

Green tech began in the early 19th century with the introduction of the Soil Conservation Act. During the Second World War, to reduce consumption and waste, more than 400,000 volunteers began collecting metal, paper, rubber, and other materials for the war effort. Famous scientists like Rachel Carson describe the consequences of the use of chemical pesticides and mysterious illnesses associated with nuclear radiation. All these points pushed the authorities to innovate the technology which is both innovative and also sustainable. That’s how the idea of Green tech was born.?

As a result, many companies have already started working on the concept of the three R's: reduce, recycle, and reuse. They are reducing the use of plastic in the packaging and started using paper. According to Yahoo Finance Apple is the greenest company with a goal of moving toward carbon-neutral by the year 2030. This surely highlights the rising demand for green tech in the coming years. But is the concern only the main reason driving companies to adopt green technology or are there more reasons? Let’s understand.

How can businesses benefit from green tech?

Businesses can benefit from green tech in many ways like?

1. Save money: Green alternatives can help you reduce the working costs of the companies. They can invest in solar panels that in return lower electricity bills. Companies can also adopt paper packaging in place of plastics as it is way cheaper than recycling plastic.
2. Increase Brand Value: Taking an environmentally friendly position is one way to boost your brand's image in the eyes of customers, suppliers, and investors. 70% of shoppers believe brands should be sustainable and environmentally responsible. Most brands such as Adidas and H&M are focusing on recycled products so in return people are promoting these brands for sustainable solutions.
3. Good Return on Green Products: MNCs can fund and make investments in environmental projects or startups working on green technology Because in the future they can provide good returns as the demand for green tech is going to rise. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market size of green tech will be USD 61.92 billion by 2030.?
4. Attracts Eco-conscious Customers: Many people are very conscious of the environment they live in. The Green Business Bureau states that many customers precisely desire to do business with environmentally friendly organizations. Knowing that your business is "green" could increase leads and revenue. For instance, a lot of hotels draw a lot of business when they promote solar panels or water-saving fixtures.

Any action, no matter how small, can contribute significantly to the creation of a world that is greener and more environmentally friendly.

The Future of Green Technology

As the trends are reshaping and companies of all sectors are focusing more on reducing their carbon footprints, the future of green technology looks quite promising and sustainable. However, there would be initial struggles and heavy investments required in adopting the new change but slowly when the process gets aligned, the green technology will be more affordable and available.