This article explores the paradoxical relationship between technology and the environment. While technology has had a highly negative impact on the environment, there is also hope that the concept of Environmental Technology can save our planet from the harm that has been done. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has stated that although technology is a solution enabler, it is also part of the problem.
The Negative Impact of Technology on the Environment
The industrial revolution and subsequent technological advancements have had a damaging effect on the environment. The burning of fossil fuels, factories, power stations, mass agriculture, and vehicles have resulted in air and water pollution. Harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, and methane have been released into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. This has led to negative health impacts for humans and animals, as well as global warming.
Water pollution, on the other hand, is the result of contamination from human activities such as domestic waste, industrial effluents, and the use of insecticides and pesticides. Inadequately treated wastewater released into natural water bodies can lead to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and the spread of diseases like typhoid and cholera. Additionally, technology has also led to the depletion of natural resources such as aquifers, deforestation, mining for fossil fuels and minerals, and overconsumption.
Due to the increasing global population, natural resource degradation is on the rise. The world’s eco-footprint is estimated to be one and a half times the earth’s ability to sustainably provide resources to meet our consumption levels. Large-scale mineral and oil exploration, as well as deforestation for agricultural purposes and residential areas, have led to the loss of trees, extinction of plants and animals, and the destruction of ecosystems.
What is Environmental Technology?
Environmental Technology, also known as ‘green’ or ‘clean’ technology, refers to the development of new technologies aimed at conserving, monitoring, or reducing the negative impact of technology on the environment. The rise in global concern for climate change has led to the development of environmental technology to help solve some of the biggest environmental challenges we face. The Paris agreement, signed in 2016, has compelled countries worldwide to undertake efforts to combat climate change by keeping the rise in global average temperature below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Environmental Technology Development – Examples of Environmental Technology
Renewable energy is one example of environmental technology that has had a positive impact on the environment. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other devices have allowed us to harness naturally occurring energy sources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat to generate electricity or useful heat. Renewable sources currently produce more than 20% of the UK’s electricity and are expected to increase to 30% by 2020.
Smart home technology, which uses devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), allows for energy-efficient homes that respond to user needs. The IoT, through increased connectivity, enables devices to collect and exchange data, leading to energy-efficient ‘smart cities’ where every device is interconnected to reduce wastage.
Electric vehicles are another example of environmental technology that has a positive impact on the environment. They do not produce carbon emissions or contribute to air pollution, making them cleaner and less harmful to human health, animals, plants, and water. Government incentives and predictions of future cost reductions have bolstered their adoption worldwide.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology aims to remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. While still in the early stages of development, DAC has the potential to manage emissions from distributed sources like exhaust fumes from cars.
Why Study Environmental Technology?
While we cannot reverse the negative impacts of technology on the environment caused by industrialization, environmental technology offers hope for rapid decarbonization of our economy and the mitigation of further harm. Technologies such as renewable energy, smart logistics, electric transport, and carbon capture and storage can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Environmental Technology from Edinburgh Sensors
At Edinburgh Sensors, we produce bespoke gas sensing technology that plays a crucial role in monitoring and reducing harmful activities. Our gas sensing technology can be used to measure greenhouse gas emissions, monitor methane levels using infrared sensors, and detect gases using UAV drones. These applications contribute to the mitigation of environmental concerns and the reduction of environmental harm.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in using gas sensing technology to help reduce environmental harm, we encourage you to get in touch with our team at Edinburgh Sensors. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest products, research, and developments.
References
- Proudfoot, R. and Kelley, S. (2017). Can technology save the planet? WWF Australia. Link
- Nunez, C. (2019). Climate 101: Deforestation. National Geographic. Link
- Visor, D. (2019). Electric car charging stations surpass number of fuel stations in less than 100 years since UK’s first petrol pump installed. Nissan News. Link