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How Technology Can Assist in Environmental Preservation
Several new and upcoming technologies can reduce humanity’s carbon footprint while maintaining the comforts and conveniences people are accustomed to
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Applied Technology Review | Tuesday, November 30, 2021
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Several new and upcoming technologies can reduce humanity’s carbon footprint while maintaining the comforts and conveniences people are accustomed to.
FREMONT, CA: It's no surprise that technology plays a significant role in contemporary society, and its presence will only grow gradually. While there are quite a few advantages and disadvantages to this arrangement, one area where technology can truly shine is its role in environmental protection.
Dispersed workforces
Work-from-home arrangements have become a trendy way to keep businesses running while complying with government shelter-in-place orders. Remote work offers many benefits for employees, including more free time due to no traffic, the ability to work while sick, and work around appointments or lack of transportation. Also, this arrangement can benefit the environment. Widespread remote work adoption means less need for office space, reducing the need for new construction. Currently, existing office space reduces energy demand due to less heating, cooling, electricity, and water. With more remote staff, urban centers also have less congestion and air pollution. A significant benefit of widespread remote work is reducing greenhouse gas emissions from less fossil fuel use. Below are few excellent technological applications in environmental preservation.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming an integral feature of today's world and will only boost their influence in the coming years. This technology works by using "bots" or "digital workers," configured to execute a myriad of tasks and continue learning and advancing over time. AI bots are programmed to track air, land, or water pollution amounts and types. This allows scientists to discover the origin of pollution. This technology also helps monitor firms that may illegally dump their waste into waterways, and if so, bring the offenders to justice. Besides monitoring pollution, AI can enhance several "smart" devices. For example, using bots, regular household appliances such as thermostats, lighting, and televisions detect when used and optimize the amount of energy they use. Widespread installation of these devices can help lower energy bills for families and businesses and reduce human carbon footprint.
Digital communication
Integrating paperless billing and communication with the bank and other companies saves the paper needed to print a bill and the necessary fuel to get it. Many companies offer discounts if a person enrolls in e-statements. Beyond paying bills, contacting friends and family via phone calls or email saves paper, energy, and time. Many, if not all, news organizations publish their article online, and most applications and documents can be signed online, which minimizes all the paper wastes. It is significant to change work style during the 21st century to help curb global warming and environmental destruction. Some may fear new technology, but if used with other policy changes, such as using renewable energy sources, this tech helps reduce pollution and help heal the planet.