Climate change has been a building force for decades now, and without substantial and immediate help, it will continue to damage the environment and public health. With the rapid progression of technology, solutions are consistently emerging every day. Taking action is more necessary than ever, from reducing carbon emissions to cleaning the oceans.
Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon comes from countless sources all over the world. Most commonly, fossil fuel production and usage is a top contributor to this form of pollution. However, it also comes through in subtler areas ” even certain renewables produce small amounts of carbon.
To get rid of carbon emissions altogether, carbon capture and storage are necessary steps to implement. These methods allow experts to capture carbon from the air through filters. As the next step, proper storage requires moving the carbon deep underground. There, experts finish the process by injecting the emissions into various rock formations that trap them indefinitely.
This technology reduces the environmental harm that fossil fuels create when they burn and emit. Moreover, carbon capture and storage makes sustainable resources even greener, getting rid of all carbon present. This method can apply to any location that emits carbon during energy production.
Climate Healing
New technology is always coming about. 5G, for instance, is bringing on a new wave ” one that experts are deeming the fourth industrial revolution, filled with innovation. With these resources, healing the climate is more possible than ever.
This broad step will take many necessary forms. One instance will be focusing on adding more greenery to oceans. Pollution takes a serious toll on plant and animal life in the seas. Using tracking and monitoring technology, environmentalists can add fertilizer and create plant growth and algae where the oceans need it most. These plants will also absorb carbon.
Elsewhere, green rooftops can help absorb carbon dioxide from cities, especially when having greenery isn’t always possible in urban areas. Green rooftops can additionally intercept up to 90% of rooftop runoff, keeping water infrastructures free from contaminants.
These examples are only two of many ways that technology can actively help people restore the environment through creative techniques.
Renewable Energy
At the center of most conversations around climate change, renewable energy technology is always a solution. Now more than ever, renewables like solar and wind are more practical due to their decreasing prices.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the impact of fast action. At the beginning of lockdowns and quarantines, people were staying home more than ever and avoiding traveling. This shift caused a quick drop in pollution. To make this impact permanent, though, renewable energy tech integrations are necessary.
The Internet of Things (IoT) uses sensors on solar and wind grids to process supply and demand needs automatically. Then, the system knows how much energy it needs to store based on weather patterns, blackouts and increased energy usage.
Solar smart grids are a new example of where this tech integrates well. The smart grid ” which is often smaller, but provides power for a specific community ” uses IoT sensors and automation to provide clean energy more efficiently.
Transportation
Transportation has two paths ahead ” one where vehicles must become electric instead of relying on fossil fuels. The other path entails people using vehicles less often altogether.
Electric vehicles are a necessity. In 2018, the transportation industry contributed to 28% of all carbon emissions, the most of any sector. To drastically reduce this percentage, countries will need to focus on electric battery technology for all types of vehicles. Moreover, they’ll need to improve battery life and durability to compete with gas-powered cars.
Another unique solution is increasing work-from-home programs. As the pandemic forced everyone to stay in their homes, remote work took off. Companies began seeing their workplaces could operate the same or better even when remote. This shift also caused a reduction in pollution since people were no longer commuting and burning fossil fuels to go to and from work every day.
Together, these two tech-enabled solutions would be ideal for transforming the transportation industry.
Tech Solutions Go Hand-In-Hand Together
To properly address the ongoing climate crisis, these solutions cannot just happen individually. They must all work together, all over the globe. Technology has made them viable options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring the environment. It’s now up to various societies to carry out these methods to see their full healing potential.
