Green technology can holistically be described as a type of technology whose use is focused on alleviating or reversing the deleterious effects of human activities on the environment. As such, the paper is aimed at providing a discourse on green technology under the tenets of its impacts on the society as well as its advancement and subsequent technological tools.
There are two interesting aspects of this technology. First, green technology is in tandem with green energy which is an adaptive part of the global effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions as well as conserve the environment and its assets. Secondly, is the innovative part of this technology. For the green technology to be efficient, innovations and inventions have to be made to replace the old harmful technologies, and as such, it is particularly interesting to see what kind of technology will be developed or advanced (OECD, 2017).
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Through sustained manufacturing, paperless offices, fuel-efficient transportation, waste recycling among others, green technology has been critical in reducing carbon emissions. Also, green technology such as solar PV, wind power, and biogas production have proven beneficial in employing individuals as well as providing energy to remote communities in rural areas. Finally, societies such as India have benefitted from the CNG fueled public transport which has reduced emissions and toxic gases in the city. However, on the downside, development and installation of green technology have been flagged as expensive thereby straining the economy. Moreover, some of the technology such as solar PV has not been reliable especially when solar radiation on the surface reduces (Annand, 2010).
Green technology has created employment opportunities in the sense that individuals are employed in firms that develop the technologies. Due to the increased popularity of green technology, technologies such solar PV in India has created opportunities for investors to venture into this market and business. Due to the localization of green technology, it has created self-reliance opportunities for communities in rural areas regarding electricity and lighting. Ultimately, the technology has created an alternative opportunity in conserving the environment by reducing carbon emissions through advancements such as CNG fueled public transport in India. Moreover, through this advancement, respiratory complications are reduced, and better health is realized.
The transport industry has considerably benefited from the green technology especially the Indian transport sector that disbanded its last diesel-fueled bus in 2002 for a CNG fueled public transport system. The energy industry also benefits from technology such as wind or solar PV which produce electricity. This is observed in Morocco where the Lafarge Company makes use of the two technologies to supply electricity. Also, green technology has significantly benefitted the farming industry where higher yields are realized over a sustained period through green farming. The construction sector also benefits from the technology. For instance, the use of green buildings reduces energy consumption and wastage, therefore, saving the industry a considerable amount of expenses.
Regarding improvements, the green technology should not only be applied to the transportation sector but also in home appliances on a large scale. The recent political interference has stalled the advancement of the technology, and as such, the political aspect should be minimized. If efforts to conserve the environment through this technology are to be successful, there needs to be more support from governments towards the technology despite its expensive nature.
The tools used in relation to the technology include the IBM’s GreenSigma which is an optimization software that reduces carbon emissions. The Green Kit is a training tool that educates students on renewable energy operations in accordance with solar-wind-fuel cells functions (Colombo Plan Staff College, 2017).
Conclusion
Green technology is a significant advancement from green energy towards the healing of the environment from carbon emissions and other harmful human activities. Regardless of the expensive nature of the technology, it is prudent to support the technology looking at the long-term benefits it can bring regarding environmental conservation. Despite its shortcomings, the benefits of the technology are overwhelming, and to this end, it should be adopted following in the footsteps of India.
References
Annand. (2010). Green Technologies: Positives and Negatives and views on the use of appropriate technologies An Essay. A Group for Environment and Energy Engineering-IITK. Retrieved from http://students.iitk.ac.in/ge3/?p=8
Colombo Plan Staff College. (2017). Solar power tools and other green technology equipment featured in CPSC programs through Hytec Power, Inc. CPSC. Retrieved from http://www.cpsctech.org/green-initiatives/item/305-solar-power-tools-and-other-green-technology-equipment-featured-in-cpsc-programs-through-hytec-power-inc
OECD. (2017). Green technology and innovation. OECD. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/sti/outlook/e-outlook/stipolicyprofiles/newchallenges/greentechnologyandinnovation.htm
