With all these questions in mind, we've compiled the following list of our favorite sustainable technology innovations that will shape the future. We hope this helps you to envision what tomorrow might look like!
Reverse Osmosis
Water scarcity is one of the most pressing sustainability issues facing humanity today. The United Nations predicts that by 2025, 40% of people will live in areas with severe water shortages.
One way to address this issue would be to get more fresh water from lakes and rivers. Reverse osmosis can help by removing salts and other contaminants from dirty or salty water sources, making them usable for human consumption or irrigation purposes.
Materials Science
The development of new materials, such as graphene and other nanomaterials, is redefining what it means to have a 'green' economy. Graphene's extraordinary properties (strength, conductivity, flexibility) make it a potential game-changer for sustainability in all areas of life.
It could lead to lighter cars, more robust structures, and more efficient solar and fuel cells – with less environmental impact. Think about a day without plastics, for example. They're everywhere, from food packaging to electronics.
Solar Energy
Efficient and affordable solar energy has been a long-time goal for many scientists. The problem is that solar energy only works during daylight hours when the sun is shining. Solar panels can't generate any power during nighttime hours or on cloudy days.
One possible solution to this problem is to store energy in batteries instead of keeping it in fossil fuels such as coal or oil. Large banks of batteries can store electricity generated by solar panels, so it can be used when needed most—even at night!
Vertical Farming
Vertical farms offer a variety of advantages over traditional agricultural practices. They require less space than conventional farms, use less water and fertilizer, and produce more crops per square foot than conventional methods.
These factors make vertical farms ideal for urban population centers where land is scarce, but fresh produce is in high demand. In fact, the world's first commercial-scale vertical farm has opened in Singapore, with plans to expand to China and Japan.
Off-Grid Power
An off-grid power system is a power system on a building, factory, or other property that does not depend on being hooked to an electric utility grid. These systems can be solar-powered, wind-powered, or hydro-powered.
They store electricity in batteries with no sun or wind and provide power when the grid goes down in emergencies. Solar panels are also durable and require little maintenance, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
