The Shunya Foundation

Bridging The Gap: How Sustainability And Technology Work Together

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In recent times, the rigorous need for sustainable applications is more apparent than ever. With its rapid developments, technology provides a powerful aid to bring light to environmental challenges and push sustainable development. Tech is like a superhero’s sidekick helping to save the world (Like Rhodes with Iron Man). Think about it: Artificial intelligence is in a way a really smart detective who analyses a great amount of data. It tells us how to allocate and utilise the limited resources we have efficiently. The internet of things! (IoT) is like having a wingman helping to cut down waste generation and a spy network to keep checks on everything from quality to consumption.
AI aka artificial intelligence is widespread across the world. But how is it going hand-in-hand with the goal of sustainability? It derives numbers from various satellites and existing data to depict where the issues are arising from and what can be done to fix them. For instance, it can tell us where trees are being cut, where animals are endangered etc. It’s just like having a personal sustainability coach. Now, locational and statistical information is there but how do we study and observe it in a much better way? Here is where IoT comes in keeping a close eye on everything. Smart grids by IoT make sure the distribution of energy is efficient. IoT sensors keep tabs on water, air and ground quality, giving us a signal whenever there is any trouble. Together, they are a dynamic duo helping us in making better decisions.

It is a known fact that technology is evolving with time. Apart from the existing ones, there can be many more innovations which can be considered revolutionising. Battery technology, energy storage systems and adaptation of alternative energy sources which are not that effective as of now (like wind, and solar) can cause a great change. Technological advancements to tackle carbon emissions will play an important role in curbing the problem of climate change.

Several businesses are already grasping technology in order to formulate sustainable solutions. SolarCity took the initiative to make solar energy accessible to everyone. Affordable solar panels were offered for homes so that people could generate their own clean electricity. Nest’s smart thermostats and smoke detectors use AI and IoT to make homes more energy-efficient and safer. The devices used are developed so as to adapt in such a way that they adjust temperatures according to people’s habits. They also detect smoke and prevent property damage at times. Bluebird Bio is a biotech company which is developing gene therapies to treat rare genetic diseases. Gene therapies are a new type of medicine that can potentially cure diseases by correcting faulty genes. These treatments can be less harmful to the environment compared to traditional medicines that often involve chemicals and manufacturing processes with significant environmental footprints.

These are just a few examples of how businesses are using technology to create sustainable solutions. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative and impactful ways of protecting the planet.

By harnessing the potential of AI and the Internet of Things while coordinating with other innovative solutions, a more sustainable future can be created for upcoming generations. As we continue to explore and develop new innovations and tech, it is essential to prioritize the drawbacks of how the environment is being affected.

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