The Future With Green Technology

Nowadays, global climate change is a common phrase in our vocabulary, and rightfully so, as it is one of the most pressing, impactful issues on our planet. From rising sea levels to drier, warmer conditions resulting in wildfires, it often feels daunting and hopeless to think about combating the effects of climate change. However, the integration of green technology into our society can provide a massive push in the right direction when it comes to actively reversing and diminishing the human role in climate change. According to the Oxford dictionary, green technology is defined as technology that’s intended purpose is to alleviate or reverse human activity’s effects on the environment. This refers to technologies that encourage clean energy production and the use of alternative fuels rather than fossil fuels.

The type of green technology getting the most buzz is electric vehicles. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, transportation vehicles are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, accounting for 29%. But with electric vehicles, people can drive a car that emits zero greenhouse gasses and runs purely on electricity. The potential for electric vehicles to become the dominant type of vehicle is growing, with the Biden Administration hoping to install 500,000 high-speed charging stations for electric vehicles by 2030, according to the NYTimes. Similarly, the Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University plan to develop wireless-charging highways to eliminate any anxieties drivers may feel when it comes to electric vehicles. These installations make it easier for drivers to not only see the environmental impact of electric vehicles, but also the potential for them to be just as efficient and easy as conventional vehicles.

But green technology is so much more than just electric vehicles. It’s already beginning to revolutionize the phone industry. According to McMaster University, in the article, “Study Shows smartphones harm the environment”, published in February of 2018, smartphones are detrimental to our planet, with 85% of their emissions impact coming from their production. Additionally, in an article published on October 18, 2021 by the Centre for Public Policy Research titled “How smartphones are killing the planet”, smartphones are discarded after only two years of use, even though they can operate for much longer. Lead, mercury, and arsenic are just a few of the many toxic materials found in smartphones, which ultimately contaminate bodies of water and groundwater when disposed of. Fairphone, a social enterprise company, advertises themselves as the phone that cares about both people and the planet. Fairphone 4, the newest phone created by the company, is created using responsibly sourced and conflict free materials. The phone’s back cover is made from 100% recycled plastic, and the production has a low supply chain footprint. The business also encourages customers to participate in their recycling program when they are ready to dispose of their phones.

Green technology not only has the power to help reverse climate change, but also can change people’s perspective on the intersection of technology and the environment. Many Americans refuse to utilize electric or hybrid vehicles because they view them as inefficient. They prioritize efficiency over environmental impact. However, as green technology grows and develops to become more efficient and a clear substitute for traditional technology, consumers' perspective on these technologies will also evolve, and that’s truly a beautiful phenomenon.