The rising age of technology in the modern world brings consequences of climate change and a new effort to combat rising global temperatures.
In the 1700s, the invention of the steam engine revolutionized energy efficiency and cost within the industrializing world. However, its advent exponentiated coal usage and greenhouse gas emissions. In the decade, increased fossil fuel burnings and overall greenhouse gas emissions have released harmful emissions of carbon dioxide and other particles that have increased the global temperature by about 1.9℃.
Different agricultural techniques and developments have also contributed to the rise in global warming. Newer models and technologies allow farmers to change the landscape, releasing greenhouse gasses in the process. On the other hand, newer innovative agricultural technologies can help farming become more sustainable, combat rising temperatures, and ensure that their crops adapt to the rising weather. For instance, the development of satellites during the Cold War has enabled the tracking of emissions of greenhouse gasses, which have been used to create laws attempting to reduce emissions.
The recent focus on technology has been in relation to its effect on fighting climate change. Improving energy efficiency, accessibility of renewable energy, and carbon storage have been the three main pillars these new innovations have been based on. Transportation is another form of technology that is slowly becoming more environmentally friendly. Electric vehicles have begun to increase their presence in the market with their sleek and cost-efficient designs. Additionally, the recent advancement of AI technologies such as ChatGPT unveils new opportunities for technology to take a role in combating climate change.
However, some scientists do not believe that new technological innovations will lead to any major results in combating climate change.
Jacob Moscona, a Prize Fellow in Economics, History, and Politics at Harvard University says that, “We simply cannot innovate our way out of danger.” Though innovation has mitigated around 20 percent of potential economic damage from climate change, it is not enough to prevent future consequences. The fate of the future entirely depends on the average person to chip in their effort, as technology can only aid so much.
References
Simon, Clea. “Can Tech Save Us from Worst of Climate Change Effects? Doesn’t Look Good.” Harvard Gazette, 16 Nov. 2022, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/11/can-tech-save-us-from-worst-of-climate-change-effects-doesnt-look-good/.
27, Deepika/January. “Role of Technology in Climate Change.” Aeologic Blog, 30 Jan. 2023, www.aeologic.com/blog/role-of-technology-in-climate-change/#:~:text=The%20Role%20of%20Technology%20in%20Climate%20Change&text=Satellites%20and%20other%20technological%20advances,the%20impacts%20of%20climate%20change.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect nor represent the Earth Chronicles and its editorial board.
