Using green technology has been around for a few decades, but it’s only in recent years that it gained popularity and push for development. In fact, more startups, major tech brands, and governments are investing in green technologies. Moreover, the industry is expected to reach around $48.36 billion by 2027 globally. That’s a 24.3% CAGR from 2019’s market value of $8.79 billion.
From solar power to electric scooters, green technology is already touching many areas including transportation, waste management, energy conservation, and agriculture. Because of growing concerns in global warming, climate change, and depleting natural resources, green technology is being rapidly studied and implemented to reduce the population’s harm to the environment.
For consumers, what will green technology mean for you and why should you care?
What is Green Technology?
A product is considered as green technology, or green tech, if it’s produced through eco-friendly processes or materials. It also refers to developing ‘clean energy’ which uses alternative fuels or technologies to generate power such as solar, wind, and water power.
Ultimately, green technologies aim to protect and preserve the environment by producing consumer products that reduce carbon emission and pollution. Examples of green tech include eco electric scooters, solar panels and roof tiles, and vertical farming.
Why you should care about Green Tech
So, why do we need green technology? If most of the population in the world can live a greener life, then green tech can contribute to the following changes to the environment.
Reduces air pollution
Official White House Photo by David Lienemann
Most green tech products cater to reducing carbon dioxide emissions which contribute to the rising temperatures in the atmosphere. Among green tech products, there has been a focus on developing greener transportation. After all, 30% of carbon emission comes from transportation.
Green vehicles available to the public include eco-friendly electric scooters, electric bikes, electric cars, and even electric buses. You might wonder: Why are electric scooters good for the environment? Notice how it all uses electricity to avoid the need for fuel and reduce carbon emission. One study in Paris found that it had already saved 330 tons of carbon emissions since the city encouraged e-scooter ride-sharing services.
Having mobile eco-friendly scooters on the road not only helped ease traffic but also lowered transportation’s environmental impact in cities. If more cities can adopt green transportation, it can significantly reduce carbon emissions and restore clean air worldwide.
Reduces waste on land and sea
Using green technology, people can better manage and recycle waste which impacts pollution on land and the waters. Some green tech that focuses on land waste management includes turning waste into fertilizer or furniture. Some organisations are also using garbage as an energy source. Waste treatment solutions turn that energy into hot water, steam, or electricity that can be used for buildings or homes.
Of course, green tech has also evolved recycling. Smart containers and automated optical scanning technologies help separate mixed plastics and recyclables. This prevents more plastic that ends up in the ocean.
By managing waste better and turning it into energy, land and water pollution reduces and waste is utilised for energy consumption.
Sustains the environment
Ultimately, green technology will restore and revive the environment, especially the parts that have been harmed due to human activities or pollution. Moreover, this will ensure that plants and animals will be conserved and protected for the years to come.
Even simple green technologies can have a profound impact on the environment. For example, going digital and reducing paper use will eliminate the need to cut down trees and prevent deforestation. Choosing to use paper or biodegradable items also eliminate plastic use and minimise plastic pollution on land and water.
Lastly, green tech allows us to use alternative or renewable energy that does not deplete the earth’s natural resources. Instead, green tech harnesses nature without harming it such as wind turbines, wave energy converter, and thermal energy power plants. By developing and maximising green tech, both people and nature can live together in harmony.
Conclusion
Through green tech, people have learned to harness the power of nature without destroying it. Moreover, it debunks the notion that tech destroys nature. Instead, tech can be used to solve environmental problems.
If more companies, organisations, and governments push for green living, green technologies will become more accessible to the public. As a result, more people can contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.
Since most green tech products are already available in the market, try incorporating them into your lifestyle to contribute to a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. Using personal eco-friendly electric scooters or solar panels are just some of the available green tech that has the most positive impact on carbon emissions and energy conservation. Remember that we only have one planet to live in, and it’s our responsibility to care, protect, and preserve it for future generations.
