When the United Nations (UN) established the Paris Agreement in 2015, global society began adopting an eco-conscious mindset. Companies started developing low-emission technologies, increasing the energy efficiency of everyday systems. Individuals also improved their consumption patterns, improving their climate change prevention efforts.
As we reduce atmospheric and surface pollution, we can improve the health and safety of the global ecosystem. Environmental engineers and scientists are developing technological advancements, protecting natural resource supplies. Before evaluating the improvements, we must examine the ecological challenges they counteract.
Water Exploitation and Degradation Challenges
In less developed communities, water filtration abilities are low. Many turn to bottled water consumption, meeting their hydration needs. The system efficiently delivers drinkable resources to struggling individuals and generates ecological challenges.
The production and distribution of plastic resin bottles generate significant quantities of greenhouse gas emissions. A 500-milliliter bottle releases 82.8 grams of pollution into the atmosphere. In regions with inadequate filtration systems, the consumption rate increases, creating a severe emission problem.
When greenhouse gas emissions reach the atmosphere, they alter Earth’s natural temperature control process. The planet relies on a specific composition, maintaining life-sufficient temperatures on the surface. Organically, the atmosphere absorbs solar radiation, generates heat, warms the surface, reabsorbs excess energy and emits it to space.
As emissions invade the atmosphere, they degrade the strategic composition. They increase heat production in the environment and trap excess energy in the air. The overproduction and entrapment of heat raise Earth’s temperature over time.
Warmer temperatures increase the global evaporation rate. The environmental effect enhances precipitation in some regions, leaving others with elongated drought periods. Without an adequate fresh water supply, more individuals face dehydration and its fatal impacts.
Additionally, rising surface temperatures increase the number of toxins in regional water supplies, like typhoid and cholera. An altered climate generates new bacteria production, creating unfilterable impurities. Until technology advances, individuals may need to outsource water supplies, ensuring optimal safety and wellbeing.
Efficient Filtration Technology
Fortunately, researchers discovered a sustainable solution to the high emission and bacteria production problems. All filtration devices will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by limiting plastic resin production and consumption. Individuals can further decrease emissions by utilizing solar-powered water filters.
Scientists at Princeton University recently developed a water purification technique using the sun’s energy. The collection device is a gel pad that absorbs pure water from contaminated sources. After absorption, the pad sits on top of a container in the sunlight, powering the release of freshwater.
The device is non-toxic and cost-effective, eliminating water filtration-related greenhouse gas emissions. It also relies on zero fossil fuels or synthetic energy sources, increasing its accessibility for members of developing communities. The pad is reusable, creating minimal waste over time.
Individuals can also install efficient filters in their homes. Before updating or installing a water filtration system, individuals may need to remediate their current devices. Pipes can hold and produce pathogens over time, like Legionella and other illness-generating toxins.
Professionals must remove the impurities before adding a filtration system, optimizing its functionality. Another technological advancement increasing the purity of water sources is the ultraviolet (UV) tube. Researchers examined sunlight’s effects on water filtration and developed an effective system.
The device sends UV wavelengths through contaminated sources, killing bacteria and illness-inducing pathogens. It is a cost-effective system that is portable and generates enough clean water to support small communities. The system is also energy-efficient, requiring minimal power.
Individuals can connect the device to a solar panel or other renewable electricity sources, creating a sustainable purification system. As we convert our water reliance away from bottle sources, we also preserve the global system. If bacteria grow in warm water, decreasing climate change effects can limit pathogen production.
Over time, as we reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, we can conserve natural resources. Decreasing the evaporation rate and water displacement can enhance agricultural production and hydration. Shrinking the water purification sector’s carbon footprint may significantly limit adverse climate change effects.
The Green Future
President Biden plans on developing an electric grid, transitioning our energy reliance away from fossil fuels. As we transition towards renewable power sources, we must adopt new technologies. Solar water filters can aid in the transition towards carbon neutrality in America.
