THE BIG CONCERN

 

TECHNOLOGY'S ROLE IN THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The planet is changing. It’s getting warmer, for example look what has been happening in the European part of the world and as this happens, we are changing too. We have to adapt our lifestyles and our habits to reduce carbon in the planet’s atmosphere and prevent runaway climate change that could threaten the ultimate existence of a habitable planet called Earth.

In this article, we look at some of the ways technology is helping us to adapt. Because of our high resource lifestyles and global economic structure, it is difficult for us to make the necessary changes needed to help the planet regain health. Thankfully, technology is developing fast, and we are choosing to embrace it.

Renewable energy

One of the biggest challenges facing the planet in our lifetime is the changing climate. Although the planet’s climate is known to fluctuate significantly over a period of time, studies show that since the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, human activities have caused the planet’s temperature to rise.

This rising temperature threatens the lives and livelihood of people living on the planet, as well as the planet’s existence as a habitable place. The best example is Venus, an earth-like planet that went through a process of rising temperatures followed by runaway climate change. 

That is why it is so important for us, as the younger generation, to address these problems and fight for the future even if present problems have been caused primarily by our ancestors. If this all sounds a bit pessimistic, there is good news. Technology is advancing all the time, and it’s here to help.

There are now significant advances in renewable energy that allow more people to use it in their homes more cheaply. The advances in solar panels and other renewable sources of energy (such as geothermal and hydroelectricity) are now being used more by industries one of the main environmental polluters.

The digital revolution

Every successive generation has a revolution of one kind or another. Some generations had political revolutions; others had industrial revolutions. Our generation is predominantly concerned with the digital revolution. This is the rise of technology and the influence it has over our lives, livelihoods and culture.

Most of us won’t remember a time when we didn’t have technology in our lives. We can’t recall a time when we didn’t have a smartphone or access to the Internet, though we have probably heard stories about those times from our parents. In the last few decades, it’s fair to say there has been a digital revolution and a lot has changed because of the digital revolution.

This has a lot of arguments, like any dramatic and dynamic change to a culture. Opponents of the increasing use of technology will argue that it creates more separation in society, people no longer communicate in a healthy way, and it fosters a culture of introverted and self minded people. However, there are some strong counter-arguments as well.

In relation to the environment, the digital revolution had been a resounding success. More people using digital devices for communicating and storing information means that there is less reliance on paper, which reduces deforestation. Since trees are an important source of oxygen and also absorb carbon dioxide, this further reduces climate change.

Environmental monitoring and maintaining

Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing our generation and our children’s generation too. The planet is a system of delicate balances, and the damage done to it so far with rising levels of greenhouse gases threaten to tip it over the edge. Previous generations have been sleeping, and only now have we woken up.

Although we are now on to the problem and challenges of climate change, it is a complex situation that requires the latest technologies to assist. Climate change is not just one person’s problem or one country’s issue. Rather, it affects everyone equally, but we still need to identify the major polluters and hold them accountable.

That is where Environmental Monitoring comes in. Using new technologies like earth quake, floods, drought detectors that will give information about the dangers of suspected calamity. For one person or a country to be with such information, prior arrangements or the creation of awareness shall be adopted to ensure any calamity doesn't affect the environment. It's therefore prudent to assert that technology plays a significant role in the protection of the environment

These technologies are clearly crucial to the future and health of our planet. Even though most people now understand what’s at stake and are pulling in the same direction, there is no question that some rogue elements still exist and must be carefully monitored and held accountable.

The sharing economy

One of the most encouraging signs that we will navigate the threat of climate change, and find a new balance and a new harmony with the planet, is the way our human culture is changing and adapting. Younger generations are more conscious of the environment, of the need to protect animals, and the need to embrace digital technology.

Embracing digital technology is a huge part of creating a sharing economy and helping the planet to thrive. So what is the sharing economy exactly? It refers to the way products and services now use digital means to connect, transport, and deliver items to customers. It cuts down our reliance on fossil fuel and damaging practices. Take a look like at using electronic cars to deliver goods to different places. These have been developed through the different technological developments

There are many more examples of the sharing economy. Now that you know the concept, you should be able to identify what elements form part of it. You can also start to reflect on why these new practices are helpful to the planet. In most cases, it’s because they reduce transport in some way or protect the much-needed forests from destruction.

Electric cars

Electric cars have been around for decades, ever since the 1960s and 1970s, and probably before that too. It does make you wonder why these vehicles haven’t been in widespread use until now. They are much less harmful to the environment and less polluting. But the reason is an economic one. They were not wanted and not viable until now.

It’s easy to see why. Even nowadays, when electric vehicles have come so far, there are still doubts among the public about how reliable they are and about their range. It’s true that it’s taken some time for these electric vehicles to catch up with their gas-powered competition, but they have, and according to some analysts, they will overtake conventional vehicles in 2022.

This is great news for the environment. Electric vehicles are far less polluting than conventional ones that burn fissile fuel directly. However, electric vehicles are not as clean as you might think. To produce their electricity, we still need to burn fossil fuel in some places. Still, electric vehicles are far cleaner since they don’t have a tailpipe.

Although electric vehicles still burn some fissile fuel, the amount is much less overall than is the case with gas-powered cars. EVs also have the added benefit of using electricity supplied by renewable energy, so they have more options for clean power. As the batteries and the range of electric cars continue to develop, there will soon be no other reasonable option.

Conclusion

We live on a changing planet during uncertain times, but that doesn’t mean we should be pessimistic. On the contrary, there is lots of room for optimism. Although the planet’s atmosphere is currently choked with unsustainable quantities of carbon, it can be soaked up if we employ the right practices. Reducing carbon emissions from cars and through the sharing economy is just one of the ways we can work together for the greater good.

Herbert Mugisha

Law student and passionate environmentalist

mugishaherbert04@gmail.com