Technological evolution has revolutionized the way we live our lives. For instance, today, communication is as distant as a simple chat message or mouse click away. Technology has advanced so much and brought us many good things. However, technology has also caused many social and environmental problems such as climate change, environmental degradation, and food scarcity among other things.
Yes, technology is a double-edged sword—one that is capable of doing harm and helping the environment at the same time. In what follows, we discuss some of the technological advancements that are helping save the environment.
Internet of Things (IoT) helps Stop Deforestation
Illegal logging is a hard problem to solve; but the initiators of Rainforest Connection— David Grenell and Topher White have come up with a solution that utilizes the same sound as the loggers’ tools like trucks and chainsaws used to drag away the tree stumps, against them.
The sensors are installed in rainforests to monitor the sounds and alert the villagers and local authorities. The sensors are made from low-cost old phones that are powered by solar panels and made waterproof—which further works to protect the environment. These sensors are then connected to the internet, making it a simple yet effective Internet of Things (IoT) device.
Blockchain used to Stamp out Illegal Fishing
WWF is now using blockchain technology to put an end to the unlawful fishing of the tuna fish. According to a report from the organization, the tamper-proof and transparent nature of this technology will help prevent consumers from buying tuna from illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing in the Pacific Islands. Also, this technology will help eliminate human rights abuses.
By performing a simple scan to the tuna packaging, you will be able to tell where and when the tuna was caught and which fishing method and vessel was used. Consumers will now be able to ascertain that the tuna they are buying was legally caught, and with no slave labor involved.
Lab-grown Meat to Change the Animal Farming Industry
With livestock farming taking up to 70% of arable land and constituting 18% of all greenhouse emissions, and with an envisioned increase of 73% in worldwide demand for meat products by 2050, the invention of lab-grown meat is timely. Also known as clean meat, lab-grown meat is derived from animal muscle cells in controlled laboratory conditions through tissue culture. They are then blended with additives and fat cells for the correct texture, color, and flavor.
Eating lab-grown meat makes environmental sense; the remarkable contribution of livestock rearing to environmental degradation and climate change has been established. Mosa Meats—the clean meat producer asserts that the process of growing meat in the lab requires 96% less water and 99% less land than livestock farming.