How Can Technology Assist in Sustainability Efforts

Climate change is real, and we know this conundrum happened specifically due to the technology, specifically the mechanization and other industrial businesses. With the current scenario, companies are slowly but surely understanding that sustainable development is the only way forward.?

With sustainability at the forefront, technology, although is the reason for most environmental issues we are facing today, is also the key driving force behind sustainable development. Transforming the technologies in a way that doesn’t compromise nature, is what we must do in order to enjoy a high quality of life. With the drastic environmental degradation, resource depletion and catastrophic impacts of climate change, leading companies are becoming more and more aware that innovative solutions are the need of the hour to maintain sustainability.??

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What is Sustainable technology???

You may have heard of the terms “Green tech” or “clean tech” often. These are also terms used as an alternative for sustainable technology. Sustainable technology is essentially the use of innovative methods and materials to reduce the catastrophic effects on the environment. Some of the very common examples of sustainable technologies are renewable energy sources, energy efficient practices, eco-friendly transportation and other waste management technologies.??

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How can technology help in Environmental Sustainability??

Ultimately, its all about reducing the carbon footprint in the environment. And to achieve this, we must ensure that industries like transportation, manufacturing, energy generation and other industries operated at a higher efficiency.??

Technology can be developed to create systems that are environmentally sustainable. It’ll allow us to replace traditional practices with more sustainable ones.??

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1. Higher efficiency across industries?

Automation- The advancements in AI has enabled industries to automate many of their processes that are repetitive and time-consuming allowing them to make better use of their workforce, meaning for carrying out tasks that robots can’t do.??

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Eliminates waste- Technologies like recycling robots, smart waste management software not only can you limit the use of resources but also help in reducing waste and increasing efficiency.??

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Cost efficiency- Improved efficiency directly impacts better finances and ultimately contributes to better environmental sustainability. This can put organisations in a position to invest in more sustainable management since their financial status is better.??

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2. Data management leading to better environmental sustainability?

Data can help give a better understanding of the challenges we face with environmental sustainability.??

• With carbon accounting, organizations get a good estimate of how much carbon their operations are releasing into the atmosphere and develop strategies that can help with reduction of carbon footprint.??

• Artificial intelligence of things?(AIoT) solutions will allow?real-time data collection?and efficient management of data regarding carbon emissions.?

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3. Higher access to clean/green fuel??

While there are technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and other green fuels, its isn’t feasible to use them on a larger scale. However, there has been quite an improvement on that front, especially with regard to land transportation, as they make a huge lead in the transition to greener fuel. The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on roads around the world?tripled from 2018 to 2021 .??

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4. Technology that can help recycle waste?

Recycling waste is something we have all known for a long time, and while there have been quite a few strides made, there are still some types of waste which when recycled doesn’t produce products that are valuable. However, off lately there have been a few technologies that seem promising like Procter and Gamble’s?PureCycle Technology ?— a way of recycling polypropylene by removing contaminants, Odor, and colour — has the potential of eliminating the?bad effects of plastic ?on the environment.?

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5. Clean water technologies?

Advanced filtration systems and desalination plants play a crucial role in providing safe and clean drinking water, especially in areas struggling with water scarcity. These examples highlight the importance of technological innovations in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation by tackling critical challenges related to energy, waste management, agriculture, and water resources?

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6. Carbon capture technology?

The practice of capturing carbon and storing it isn’t new, but they’ve only been done on a smaller scale. If carbon capture technologies continue to advance, we can succeed in neutralizing the carbon footprint of large industrial facilities.?

Top Leaders are Leveraging Technology to Advance Their Sustainability Goals?

What are Some of the Emerging Technologies for Advancing Sustainable Development??

There are quite a few future prospects that hold significant promise for aiding sustainability development.??

1. Clean energy- where advancements in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies continue to drive down costs and increase efficiency.??
2. Energy storage solutions- Hydrogen fuel cells and other renewable sources can overcome intermittent issues and facilitate wider adoption of these technologies?
3. Smart grid technology and energy management system- enable more efficient distribution and utilization of energy resources?
4. Biotechnology- synthetic biology and genetic engineering, hold promise for enhancing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.?

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These emerging technologies are vital for tackling urgent environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development goals. However, it is crucial to focus on research, innovation, and collaboration to ensure their effective and equitable deployment, maximizing their positive impact on the planet.??

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Wrapping Up??

In conclusion, technology is a key driver of sustainable development and environmental conservation globally. Innovations in renewable energy, waste management, agriculture, and water conservation have significantly advanced efforts to combat climate change and protect natural resources. Ongoing research and investment in emerging technologies offer the potential for even greater progress. By harnessing the power of technology alongside effective policies and active societal involvement, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for future generations.?