Technology has successfully improved our way of life. We usually tend to think of technology as limited to communication. Because that is the most common use of technology in our daily lives. But while searching for the channels list, a thought came to me. Is technology just being used for a better present? Or is it also being used for a brighter tomorrow?
The thought stuck out like a thorn. So after loads of hours of research, the answer was clear. Yes. Technology can, and is, being used to secure a better future for us. Not just people, but entire companies are dedicated to finding innovative uses of technology for a sustainable environment.
The Current State of Affairs
One of the biggest challenges for a sustainable future is a lack of awareness. Most of us today aren’t fully aware of the effect we are having on the environment. And some of us are even conditioned to not care. We all know that gases released when you use canned sprays are harmful. But do we care? How many of us have switched to alternative perfumes or deodorants?
The media is just as much to blame. How many news channels and websites did justice to the wildfires? The media is a powerful tool. But between politics and entertainment, serious issues like the environment take the back note.
Some say that we, as a whole, are not interested in our effect on the environment. They believe that we don’t care, or don’t want to care about it. That we would rather live in ignorant bliss than deal with the reality of our situation. But, that is not true.
What are the Main Problems We Are Facing?
The main issues we are faced with are:
Finding a sustainable source of energy is one of the biggest concerns of the planet. So far, most of our energy came from oil. But that is not a sustainable resource. Many oil fields around the globe have already been drained. But luckily people are working on alternative energy sources.
Water is our lifeline. We need drinkable water to survive. But our reserves for drinkable water are dwindling. So what do we do after the water is gone? We can’t change our body’s requirement for water. So we develop technologies to convert undrinkable water, into pure, drinkable water.
Climate change is another big issue we are faced with today. The temperature around the globe is rising. Our poles, which were frozen for centuries are thawing out. And what are we doing about it? Are we developing any technology to save the earth?
Technology for a Better Tomorrow
Though we might not see them, there is an entire sub-section of humanity that is dedicated to improving. These activists do more than just post their views on social media. They are developing and implementing technology to give us a sustainable future.
#1. Wind Turbines
Many countries are searching for alternative energy sources that won’t hurt the environment. The Netherlands started experimenting with wind turbines. In a naturally windy country like the Netherlands, you can see thousands of wind turbines. They are designed with environmentally friendly materials.
There are some proposed designs of turbines that function as hotels or apartment buildings. The Dutch firm that designed these called them the Dutch Windwheel. The proposed turbines can generate electricity from wind as well as water. So they can be more effective if placed along the waterside. So residents can get amazing water views. As well as the satisfaction of living in a productive building block.
#2. Water Power
Did you ever consider that the water you waste can be used to generate power? Lucid Energy did and created the LucidPipe™. The technology uses the water that flows through your pipes to generate energy. The water is directed through turbines to create energy.
So when you flush or do the dishes or laundry, you don’t have to waste the water. Before going to the drain, the water does something more useful. What’s even more impressive is that the system can be fitted to your existing pipework.
#3. Kinetic Walkway
A London based company, Pavegen has found a way to create energy when people walk. When you walk, you create kinetic energy. With specially developed flooring, they can convert kinetic energy from walking, into electricity. This is been implemented in one of the busiest shopping malls in Johannesburg. The energy created is being directed to the underdeveloped communities in South Africa.
Conclusion
To find out that technology can, and is being used to improve the future is a relief. All the time spent in ignorance that technology is limited to things like my Spectrum internet and many related tech stuff that surrounds me, it just seems like a waste. I have turned over a new leaf. And plan on making my use of technology as environmentally-friendly as I can. And I implore all of you to do the same if you haven’t done so already.
