The Role of Technology to Pathways to Sustainability
If the world wants sustainable economic growth, change is a prerequisite. Every industrial process, culture, practice, and even material must be aligned to the concept or goal of sustainability. A society mindful of the impacts they deliver to the environment must be the mindset of this generation. An energy-efficient society with a strong grasp on living sustainably is ideal to minimise global pollution and garbage. While technology is rampantly penetrating the world in a materialistic sense, it is only right to also optimise technology to promote a sustainable lifestyle for every person on this planet. To start with, here are the factors that influence economic development:
Energy Efficiency
Energy supply is slowly becoming scarce. Sustainable energy typically depends on how the operation in energy technologies evolve. Energy supply and use must be properly regulated to prevent scarcity. The use of fossil fuels must be done in the most less-polluting way. Natural gas can be an alternative to oil or coal which produces a substantial amount of air pollution.
Energy efficiency in terms of transportation must also be given attention. It is as well, a great contributor to pollution and scarcity of non-renewable supplies. Vehicles or new car models must be designed in the most environmental-friendly way possible. Solar-based electricity and transportation is by far the best solution. However, the problem with living sustainably is the cost. Truly the irony of life.
Public Infrastructures
Sustainable development must be instilled in every construction giant. The capitalist system is solely thinking about the profit but never really see the long-term effects of their mindless greed to make a profit. Green design must be practised by every construction company; big or small. It is important for the world to agree on incorporating green design into every development executed.
Water Supply
Water is required for all sectors of the economy. From public, industrial, agricultural, and even residential, water is a must. Water treatment is one of the factors that contribute to pollution along with institutions, public sectors and the likes. While technology easily altered the face of the world is almost like a single blink of the eye, it is ideal to take advantage of that advancement in embedding sustainable water use practice in every industry.
Food Supply
With the growing increase of food production, the carbon footprint from producing it, how its ingredients are produced, storage practice and distribution are all impacting elements that affect the health of our planet. On a different note, a massive food supply is needed to feed the growing number of bourgeoisie consumers. How food is grown has an influence on sustainable living. The easier the plant to grow, the more sustainable it is. Biotechnology is creating new breeds that are resistant to diseases and pests; hence very minimal cultivating effort is required.
The ocean, another issue that destroys the balance of our ecosystem. While humans are also a part of the balance and humans are capable of formulating ways to sustain life underwater, ironically speaking, humans are the ones who actually abuse those supplies.
People no longer eat food for merely surviving or for energy all throughout the day. People are eating for indulgence. Hence, food supply is gradually becoming scarce and life underwater is rampantly depreciating. The farming sector is another huge factor that can help change operations aligned to sustainable goals. Chemicals used to grow beautiful perfectly looking plants contributes to global pollution.
Materials
The production of non-biodegradable materials is the major cause of plastic pollution in the world. Traditional materials must be realigned to sustainable practices. Steel, concrete, and plastic are important materials in industrial development. However, most of these materials are produced with so much carbon footprint. But, if every manufacturer of these traditional materials understand the scientific compositions of these materials and find ways to make them sustainable, then our world might have a chance of surviving human’s environmental-menacing actions.
The world needs sympathy from humans. The world needs balance and control. It needs to be rejuvenated on a global scale. Humans are capable of doing so if greed, comfort, and selfish interest do not always dominate the surface.