Undoubtedly, technology has brought about a significant transformation in the lives of millions of individuals, providing them with new chances in terms of communication, employment, and leisure. Thought must be given to how this digital revolution may affect our priceless natural environment. However, are technology and environmental preservation compatible?
This is a successful and vital connection for the European Union, which projects that by 2025, every euro invested in R&D&I in the bioeconomy will produce ten euros of additional value. Therefore, the strategy chosen needs to be predicated on the preservation and conservation of natural resources and developed with a long-term vision if the connection between the environment and technology is to be cooperative and provide sustainable prospects for economic progress.
What are the negative effects of the relationship between environment and technology
There are still certain detrimental effects that the technology sector needs to address, even while society’s new perspective recognizes the necessity of vetoing several previous actions for the sake of the environment. Here are a few of them:
- Utilization of resources found in nature.
A significant amount of natural resources, such as the mining of minerals, metals, and fossil fuels, are needed for the production of electronic gadgets, the fight against programmed obsolescence, and the creation of ever-more-powerful infrastructures. Significant negative effects on the environment result from this, including soil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation.
- Production of trash electrical and electronic.
Waste is produced in vast quantities due to the quick obsolescence of technology and the continuous release of new products. If not adequately managed, the harmful materials included in these devices such as lead, mercury, and arsenic—can leak into the subsurface and contaminate water. Furthermore, incorrect disassembly might leak dangerous materials and endanger human health.
- Emissions of greenhouse gases.
It goes beyond simple production. The energy required to run servers, data centers, and other equipment encourages the release of greenhouse gases, as evidenced by the mining of cryptocurrencies, among other situations. The warming of the planet is caused by these emissions.
- Pollution of the air and water.
The production of electronic components is one of the many intense industrial operations that contributes to the improper handling of e-waste and releases pollutants into the air and water. These contaminants may be harmful to human health, the survival of animals, and the quality of the air and water.
Can technology protect the environment?
Yes, is the response. In addition to the environmental issues previously discussed, digitalization and technology have emerged as potent allies in the battle to save the environment. New and creative apps that support the preservation and restoration of nature as well as various goals are developed on a daily basis. Here are a few of them:
- Renewable energy sources.
They now play a crucial role in both the preservation of the environment and the shift to a sustainable future. They originate from an infinite variety of natural sources, including hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, wind, biomass, and solar radiation. Hazardous waste is also not produced by their exploitation. Generally speaking, they help lower greenhouse gas emissions and lessen reliance on fossil fuels. In this way, the adoption of new technologies encourages the use of them at the expense of fossil fuels in situations like real consumption in intelligent buildings or sustainable urban mobility based on precise demand and instantaneous use.
- Disposal of waste.
This entails gathering, handling, recycling, and properly disposing of garbage produced by human activity. Reducing the source of pollution through actions like forming conscientious consumption habits is one of its primary tactics. The recycling sector is yet another essential facet of waste control. Recycling uses less energy and eliminates the need to mine fresh raw materials or create new materials. Here, technology is really important. On the one hand, it makes it possible to put creative solutions into practice, including the creation of automated sorting and trash separation systems. Similarly, more accurate waste stream monitoring is made possible by the use of sensors and tracking systems. Conversely, it encourages the study of novel materials.
- Effective handling of the environment’s resources.
This is necessary to guarantee sustainability over the long run and lessen the impact of our actions on the environment. It entails conserving natural resources, maximizing their use, recycling, and reducing waste. Monitoring and managing the use of water, electricity, and other resources is made feasible via the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sensors. This minimizes waste and maximizes their utilization. Similarly, using AI and machine learning in forestry or agriculture, for instance, reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides while increasing crop yields.
Furthermore, the introduction of new, more environmentally friendly infrastructures, like the 5G network, improves energy consumption to an unprecedented degree, maximizing its benefits and lowering the energy requirements associated with providing improved telecommunications services.
The planet’s sustainability depends on the interaction between technology and ecology. In order to achieve this, it is critical to encourage sustainable innovation and increase public understanding of the value of protecting natural areas. Technology is a potent instrument for creating a more sustainable and greener future when used properly.
