We live in a fast-paced world, where everything is just a button’s click away. Top-notch technological advancements and innovations have made lives easier than we could ever imagine. However, amidst a life full of gadgets, we are somewhere messing up with the ecological system of the planet and bringing trouble on our end voluntarily.
Using natural resources faster than nature could regenerate, harmful carbon emissions, increasing pollution, excessive plastic usage, etc., are causing some irreversible damages to the environment which we have to pay at a terrible cost. But the only ray of hope amidst such drastic changes is the advanced tech that can be paired with sustainability practices to refurbish the depleting ecological balance in the world.
According to the top marketing research companies in the UAE, sustainability is the new market leader when it comes to consumers’ choice of products and services. Recognizing the horrendous impact of our carelessness and selfish activities on the planet, modern purchasers are moving towards more sustainable choices.
The conscious consumers of the present-day desire to see brands and organizations using the latest tech to curate and promote sustainable products/services as an antidote to ecologically harmful practices. It is indeed phenomenal to see how our advancement in technology can bring us closer to restoring nature’s beauty. Following are some out-of-the-box combinations of technology and sustainability.
How sustainability and tech coincide
Before we dive deep into the topic, let’s understand what sustainability is. Sustainability perse could mean products/services that reduce carbon emission, restrict plastic usage, promote green initiatives, etc. However, it also encompasses the work culture of an organization and how sustainable an environment an organization offers to its workforce and consumers. For instance, it could be offering flexibility to maintain work-life balance, women empowerment, etc., thus creating a space haven for future entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
1. Blockchain to the rescue
Blockchain technology turns out to be a phenomenal tool to track and regulate the supply chain processes to maintain ethical and eco-friendly logistic practices. For instance, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji implemented blockchain technology to combat illegal fishing in the tuna fishing industry with the help of the ‘bait to plate’ act. This remarkable innovation allows consumers to track commodities right from their starting point till they reach the table to ensure safe practices. Other areas where blockchain is proving to be a powerful tool against environmental crises are recycling, efficient and safe transactions, investments, etc.
2. Crowdsourcing and drones to protect forest spaces
WWF and WRI are leading examples of how tech and gadgets can be used to protect wildlife and forest areas. Implementing drones and crowdsourcing to track forest activities and wildlife behaviour has turned out to be extremely handy in preventing and dealing with unexpected disasters while ensuring the habitat remains nourished for better survival of animals and other species.
3. Thermal Imaging to prevent poaching
Poaching has been an age-old threat to wildlife and marine life. While this couldn’t be combated a few years ago, technology has now turned the tables. Thermal imaging has become a powerful weapon for rangers to prevent, detect, and fight poachers and other illegal wildlife activities.
4. AI-powered
Artificial intelligence has left no field untouched and what’s more remarkable is how these innovations are used for rebooting the natural phenomenon. AI is massively used to keep a track of wildlife species to ensure their safety and growth. It is also implemented for carbon storage, watershed management, etc.
Sustainable technology leads the way
Leading sustainable lives is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement if we wish to protect the earth before it crumbles. Technology is paving the way to replenish the lost natural presents. AI, blockchain, web3, etc., are revolutionizing sustainability ideologies and we couldn’t be prouder. However, a combination of engaged people and effective technology will only bring fruitful results.