What is Green Technology ?

Green Technology

Green technology has evolved into somewhat of a catch phrase and even a clever marketing term in these contemporary times. Having said this, green technologies (and the notion of sustainability in general) have actually existed since the early 1990s when the effects of fossil fuels first became clear.[1]

Green technology has now become a truly global industry and while it promises incredible benefits, the possible stumbling blocks are just as profound. This article will answer several questions. We will first look at some of the most common green technology projects. It will then be easier to discuss factors such as how green technology affects our lives as well as some challenges that green technology may still need to overcome.

How is Green Technology Defined?

According to Investopedia, the most standard green technology definition represents any type of approach that intends to mitigate the impacts of human society upon the natural environment.[2] We can therefore see that green technology encompasses a host of potential strategies. There are nonetheless a handful of well-known industries which have already begun to embrace green energy and technology. The five most recognisable are:[3]

Photovoltaics (solar power)
Wind power
Hydropower
Biomass fuels
Geothermal energy

However, there are many other green fuel technologies that promise to provide a clean energy source while still offering viable consumer-based solutions. Perhaps the most promising innovation in recent times comes in the form of fuel cells like the hydrogen fuel cell and its direct methanol fuel cell counterpart. Indeed, the global demand for hydrogen as a fuel reached a staggering 94 million metric tonnes in 2019.It is clear to see that these green technology solutions are on the rise.

The Effects of Green Technology Upon the Environment

As the name already suggests, any type of clean energy technology is designed to protect the environment while supplying a reliable source of power to the general public. Many types of renewable energy are also seeking to reverse the decidedly devastating effects associated with fossil fuel consumption. This will ultimately result in several positive scenarios such as:[2]

Reducing the aggregate carbon footprints of developed nations.
Reversing the impact of deforestation.
Ensuring supplies of potable drinking water.
Averting (or at least muting) the effects of global climate change.
Reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste entering into the environment (such as through the use of green recycling technologies).

Green technology therefore aims to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world results.

Does Green Technology Represent a Sustainable Approach?

While the intentions of green technology are quite impressive at first glance, it is still important to mention that the future of renewable energy depends largely upon its sustainable nature. In this case, we are referring to economic viability as opposed to green technology in relation to the environment alone.

Simply stated, any form of new renewable energy technology must be affordable to the average consumer. This was one of the issues associated with green hydrogen technology in the past and thankfully, recent advancements have enabled these systems to become increasingly popular alternatives to fossil fuels. Individuals who appreciate the benefits of green technology and who can afford these solutions will be much more likely to adopt these environmentally friendly approaches, helping to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.

Solar energy Solar energy is energy from the sun. This technology aims to reduce dependence on energy from hydrocarbons and fossil fuels and promote greener solutions. Solar energy systems are the renewable energy systems that have been worked on and researched the most. Examples of solar energy conversion technologies are high vacuum tube for hot water, polypropylene collector for hot water, photovoltaic collector to produce electricity and solar streetlamps, among others.
Biofuels The valorization of plastic waste to a value-added product such a biofuel is economically feasible. It is a high profitable business indeed. The two products that are generated at a pyrolysis plant are fuel oil and char, which are versatile products, very high in demand.
Vertical gardens and farms The installation of vertical gardens in buildings also helps save energy and brings many benefits to the environment. Vertical gardens don’t need watering routines that involve unnecessary use of water, and because they are installed along a wall, they reduce the intense hearing pollution that comes from the outside and even that one that you can generate. Moreover, it helps isolate the high temperatures that are presented by climate change, resulting in significant savings in energy, heating and air conditioning. If we extrapolate this technology to farms, we can save a lot of water and take care of the fertile soil. Today, there are vertical farms of up to 100 hectares.
Eco Vehicles Known as ecological vehicles, they do not emit pollutants into the atmosphere. They are called “eco” because their use does not negatively influence the environment and contributes to reducing the presence of polluting gases in the atmosphere. Those are mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and compounds of lead and Sulphur dioxide.