Current Status of Green Technology

Background

Given the increasing widespread impact of greenhouse gas emissions, depletion of natural resources, global warming, for the last two decades, various stakeholders have been considering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implementation using clean and green technologies.

Concept of Green Technology

• Green technologies are an emerging approach towards saving the earth. It is the creation and application of products, systems and designs that aim to protect the natural environment and its properties by reducing the negative consequences of human activities.
• Green energy is energy obtained from natural sources. These include renewable energy solutions such as solar and wind power to advanced waste management solutions and eco-friendly materials.

Goals of Green Technology

• Boost economic growth
• Ensure long-term sustainability for future generations
• Reduce pressure on natural resources
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Produce goods with energy efficiency
• Address health and safety issues
• Reduce carbon footprint
• Promote circular economy
• Reduce water consumption

Green Technology: Current Status

• These technologies are crucial in addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, which marks a significant shift from conventional practices to sustainable alternatives.
• This shift is evident in the growing number of green startups and increased investments in sustainable innovations. Green transportation technologies, including electric vehicles and sustainable public transport systems, are gaining momentum.
• In addition, waste management technologies are revolutionizing the way waste is disposed and converting it into sustainable resources or energy and replacing conventional and non-renewable materials with sustainable materials.

Various areas of green technology

• Energy sector Green technology in power generation and energy resource management.
  • It also includes co-generation in manufacturing and commercial sectors.
• Building sector Use of green technology in design, management, repair of houses.
• Water and waste management sector Use of green technology in water supply control and use, wastewater disposal and solid waste landfills.
• Transport sector Incorporation of green technology in transport infrastructure and automobiles, including biofuels and public transport.

Benefits of Green Technology

• In the economic sector, it creates new employment opportunities with market potential
• Increased business innovation helps companies develop new products and services
• Meets growing consumer demand in a sustainable manner
• Helps combat climate change and environmental degradation
• Reduces carbon emissions
• Improves quality of life socially by providing access to clean air and water
• Guides towards achieving global sustainability at the national level

New Opportunities in Green Technology

• There will be many innovations in the green technology sector. Renewable energy from solar power has become accessible to a wider range of consumers with more efficient and affordable solar panels.
• Electric vehicle (EV) technology is gaining popularity due to improved battery life and charging infrastructure.
• Waste management technologies are also undergoing changes. Innovations in recycling and waste-to-energy processes are enabling more sustainable management of resources. These technologies have the potential to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
• In addition, green architecture is gaining momentum with sustainable buildings designed for energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. These structures use sustainable materials and incorporate features such as green roofs and energy-efficient lighting.

Need for successful integration of green technologies

• Vertical farming, no-till farming, changes in dietary habits, plant-based alternatives to meat and precision fermentation can help create foods that can reduce carbon footprint and contribute to more sustainable food systems.
• Challenges in the manufacturing sector hinder the widespread adoption of renewable sources. For example, India is highly dependent on imported materials for the solar-supply chain, leading to foreign exchange pressures.
  • It is estimated that more than 50% of the project cost for setting up each megawatt of solar PV power plant in India leads to foreign exchange outflow.
• Developing domestic solar value chains can help create jobs while encouraging the use of renewable energy in the manufacturing sector.
• Bioenergy offers promising solutions to reduce carbon emissions, especially in sectors that find it challenging to transition to sustainable and clean practices. Bioenergy involves obtaining renewable energy from organic matter such as agricultural waste or energy crops.