Global warming has always been the world’s greatest challenge and we should utilize green technology to preserve mother nature. Green technology is a term used to describe technology that is deemed environmentally friendly due to its manufacturing process or supply chain. Clean energy is produced to replace fuels and technologies that are less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels. The technology infrastructure used to purify water, recycle waste, generate renewable energy, and conserving natural resources are examples of green technologies. Engineers and scientists all over the world are working on technical solutions to reduce and eliminate everything that contributes to global warming which leads to climate change. Here are 5 examples of green technologies that are beneficial for the environment:

1. Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment is a process removing polluted chemicals and toxins from water. It can deal with contaminated waters from domestic and industrial areas and safely return it to the ecosystem for industrial use, irrigation, and drinking. Recycling water comes from various sources of water such as rainwater, agricultural runoff and many more. Treating these waters allows the next usage and to ensure that it’s safe and clean for the public health and environmental protection. Even if the treated wastewater is not meant for human consumption, it must be clean before being used for irrigation to avoid harming the plans and soil. 

Advantages:

• The need for water in large quantities is well supplemented.
• In the long term, wastewater treatment improves stream and wetlands ecosystem
• Wastewater treatment is a sanitary process that efficiently prevents water borne diseases. It ensures the health and safety of the people.

2. Solar Panel

Known to many, it’s one of the most popular types of green technology. Solar power systems harness the sun’s clean and pure energy. Installing solar panels on your home helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels as a whole. Electricity is traditionally generated using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are burned to generate energy, greenhouse gases are released, which are known to be the primary cause of air pollution and global warming.

Advantages:

• Simply replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar power will improve overall health-care.
• During a drought of a heat wave, solar power can be used to its fullest. Natural gas, coal and nuclear power uses lots of water for the cooling process. Unlike solar panels, it uses little to no water, causing a positive impact on the ecosystem.
• Solar panels prevent climate change by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, slowing down climate change for the better.

3. Wind Turbines

Wind energy, which is produced by wind turbines and wind farms, has already contributed significantly to our energy needs. Our forefathers’ windmills have been turned into energy behemoths that continue to power the grids of countries all over the world thanks to modern technology. The energy derived from the wind is known as wind power. It is one of the earliest human-creation energy sources, and it is now the most well-established and effective renewable energy source.

Advantages:

• Wind will never run out – so it is renewable till’ the ends of time. The current wind turbines could be improved by even better turbines in the future, but the wind will always be present. Thus, it is an infinite amount of resources.
• Land-based wind turbines generate some of the cheapest electricity thanks to free energy sources. Since the energy is generated by wind turbines, there are no price spikes as there are with fossil fuel electricity.
• Wind energy does not release poisonous chemicals or toxins into the atmosphere, which can be harmful to both the environment and people. Toxic substances can corrode buildings and acidify land and water environments. Contaminants in the air can cause heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

4. Photovoltaics (PV)

Photovoltaics (often abbreviated as PV) gets its name from the photovoltaic effect, which is the process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage). PV can actually be integrated directly into a building’s facade or roof, seamlessly replacing the building’s traditional materials. If there were ever a power cut, a PV system containing a battery-powered storage system will provide power to facilities. When installed on the roof, solar panels emit no pollution. They will, however, have an effect on the environment while manufacturing and at the end of their life.

Advantages:

• Costs can be reduced with PV systems. When the sun is at its peak, a PV system generates the most electricity. As a result, it reduces the need for costly electricity during peak operating periods.
• Modern PV systems need very little maintenance and are highly reliable. A new PV system has an estimated lifetime of 25 to 30 years, depending on the type of panel. This ensures that as soon as the system is turned on and plugged in, it will begin to generate electricity, and you won’t have to spend most of your time maintaining it.
• PV technology may have a legitimate, beneficial impact on the general public, who can uplift companies as a result of showing its efforts to protect and improve the quality of the environment.

5. Green Walls / Vertical Garden\

Green walls have become a trending feature in the field of construction, though they have often been more of a decorative element. With the rise of sustainability and environmental design, the relationship between man-made environments and nature is becoming more carefully balanced. Mainly on the exterior side, these green walls can easily be replaced or removed. However, they can minimize the amount of energy needed to cool a building. They can also act as an acoustic insulation to minimize noise transmission in some situations.

Advantages:

• A big green wall can provide protection from UV radiation and can even divert water away from walls.
• Humans and pets in homes use lots of oxygen, so an interior green wall will help mitigate that. Additionally, better air quality means less skin irritation, headaches and illnesses.
• Green walls, both indoor and outdoor, helps to protect the environment. Although it may not seem that one or two walls would make a significant difference in the battle against climate change, they may help to reduce carbon footprint.

The Future is in Our Hands

These green technologies offer great hope and inspiration to fight climate change. The technological advancements listed above are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of technology. Aside from the fact that the impacts of global warming are already being felt, green technology aims to improve people’s quality of life while minimizing environmental damage. Many businesses are realizing that change is needed, and that change needs to happen soon and each individual plays a vital role in saving mother nature.