In order to provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels, many businesses are seeking to engineer alternative sources of energy that do not generate atmospheric carbon. Solar and wind power are now among the most inexpensive sources of energy , and solar panels are affordable to U.S. homeowners at a consumer scale. Other alternatives, such as geothermal and tidal energy, have yet to be deployed at scale.
Electric Vehicles
Nearly a third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are released by transportation activities, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.4 Many manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce automotive emissions, either by designing m
ore fuel-efficient engines or shifting to electrical power.
However, electric vehicles require a host of innovations in other spheres, such as high-capacity rechargeable batteries and charging infrastructure. In addition, the benefits of electric vehicles are limited by the fact that many power grids still rely on fossil fuels.
Sustainable Agriculture
Farming and livestock have a substantial environmental footprint, from the high costs of land and water usage to the ecological consequences of pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste. As a result, there are many opportunities for green technology in the area of agriculture. For example, organic farming techniques can reduce the damage due to soil exhaustion, innovations in cattle feed can reduce methane emissions, and meat substitutes can reduce the consumption of livestock.
Recycling
Recycling seeks to conserve scarce resources by reusing materials or finding sustainable substitutes. While plastic, glass, paper, and metal waste are the most familiar forms of recycling, more sophisticated operations can be used to recover expensive raw materials from e-waste or automobile parts.
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture refers to a group of experimental technologies that seek to remove and sequester greenhouse gases, either at the point of combustion or from the atmosphere. This technology has been heavily promoted by the fossil fuel industry, although it has yet to deliver on those expectations.5 The largest carbon capture facility can absorb 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, a minuscule amount compared to annual emissions.
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Defining Green Technology
Green technology, often referred to as cleantech or environmental technology, is the application of science and technology to create environmentally friendly products and services. The ultimate objective of green technology is not just to reduce ongoing harm to our environment but also to repair existing damage and promote regeneration. It encompasses everything done to restore our environment and leverage Earth's natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Spanning from solar panels to advanced waste management systems, green technologies aim not only to lower carbon emissions and conserve natural resources, but also to introduce more sustainable alternatives to traditional practices. Furthermore, they hold the potential to create regenerative solutions that can repair and restore our ecological balance, going beyond mere mitigation to foster a more resilient and flourishing environment.
For instance, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power help reduce dependence on fossil fuels, ultimately decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and combating the part of the triple planetary crisis relating to climate change. Similarly, innovations in sustainable agriculture, such as vertical farming and the utilization of biochar, help conserve land and water resources while increasing food production. Biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced by pyrolyzing agricultural and forestry wastes, not only minimizes contamination but also safely stores carbon, providing a further contribution to climate change mitigation. The diverse range of green technology examples showcases the versatility and potential of these environmentally friendly solutions in addressing the complex aspects of the global challenges we face.
History of Green Technology
While green tech has become increasingly popular in the modern age, elements of these business practices have been in use since the Industrial Revolution. Beginning in the early 19th century, scientists began to observe the ecological impacts of coal-burning industrial plants, and manufacturers have sought to reduce their negative environmental externalities by altering production processes to produce less soot or waste byproducts.
In the United States, one of the most important milestones was the Second World War. In order to reduce consumption and waste, more than 400,000 volunteers began collecting metal, paper, rubber, and other materials for the war effort.2
Following the war, scientists like Rachel Carson began warning of the consequences of chemical pesticides, while doctors abroad reported mysterious illnesses associated with nuclear radiation. Many point to this era as the genesis of the ecological movement, which sought to preserve ecosystems and resources while raising awareness of the consequences of runaway technology.
Government bodies slowly recognized the importance of protecting environmental resources. Curbside recycling programs became common over the following decades, raising awareness about household waste. The Environmental Protection Agency, established in 1970, set firm requirements on pollution and waste and established mandates for coal scrubbers and other clean technologies.3
