Time- an abstract concept that defines progression and completion. We human beings learned to evolve, adapt, and manipulate our environment to our whims and requirements with time. The wheel, the printing press, the steam engine, the radio, the computer, social media, online law assignment sample services– all of these are examples of humanity using the Earth’s resources to make itself better. Civilizations have risen, empires have fallen, robots have been sent to distant planets, and we have multiplied by the millions. Technology has accelerated our longevity and socioeconomic progress exponentially.
All such development came at a cost, however. In this case, it is the cost of all the different resources we have consumed over the centuries. From fossil fuels to minerals, from food to water, material consumption has grown immensely. The strain on this lone planet due to such wanton consumption has been significant. Coupled with wastage and pollution, we are at a crossroads, one leading to perpetual progress and the other towards eventual extinction.
As we stand in the third decade of the 21st century, the problems we face are incredibly critical. And only one particular aspect of human civilization can solve them all, technology.
Tackling The Two Major Impending Crises Of The 21st Century With Tech
In this article, we focus on crises that can have severe repercussions for humanity as a whole. And two of the gravest of such problems are currently the looming global energy crises and the global climate change.
Technology IS The Answer To The Impending Energy Crisis
The continued consumption of fossil fuels has long been a source of worry for pundits. Apart from pollution, the eventual drying of nature’s reserves is inevitable. Economies are rightfully switching to cleaner and unconventional power, but such shifts will be painfully slow due to infrastructure and massive consumption requirements.
According to Statista.com, global oil consumption stood at 91 million barrels per day in 2020, down from 100 million barrels per day in 2019. Coal consumption was at 157.4 exajoules in 2020. Researches by influential organizations in the energy sector, such as British Petroleum, point out the Covid-19 pandemic as the key reason behind such decrease. But, such a decrease is minor & temporary as demand is expected to shoot up high in 2021.
An energy drought is looming over the horizon. Europe has begun to feel the brunt as gas prices shoot up to 80 euros as natural gas consumption shoots up, and reserves run dry. In addition, widespread power shortages are plaguing large parts of Asia and Europe. Low supply and high demand have shot up oil, gas and coal prices through the roof.
The only surefire way out of this inevitable chaos is unconventional & renewable sources of energy enhanced by technology.
- Wind = Wind-powered contraptions are an age-old design. And, we are once again looking into our past to solve future problems, as wind turbines remain one of the most prominent sources of renewable energies.
The technology behind the scenes uses the wind’s kinetic energy to rotate the blades and run electricity generators.
- Solar = Electrical/electronical technologies and semiconductors lie behind the design and operations of solar cells. A leading proponent of renewable energy resources, the photo-electric effect allows conversion of the Sun’s light energy into electrical energy.
Despite limitations such as high cost, maintenance and storage problems, the solar industry remains one of the most promising renewable energy sources ever.
- Water = Hydroelectric power stations are a significant source of energy across numerous economies. Therefore, advances in dam architecture, construction, drainage, and electrical engineering are crucial for making hydel power an ever-prominent energy source for a cleaner future.
- Biomass = Biomass and biofuels are other traditional energy sources of clean energy, widely used in rural areas and vehicles. However, energy development through incineration of waste products has been a fringe source of energy for years. While popular, it poses problems such as pollution and energy consumption during incineration.
- Nuclear = Nuclear energy is among the leading sources of power globally, amounting to about 4%. All of it is, however, non-renewable and the result of nuclear fission. In addition, resources for fission such as uranium, thorium and plutonium are minimal, and nuclear energy production is susceptible to cost, maintenance, safety and other factors.
Nuclear Fusion, the process that powers the stars of our universe, is one of the brightest hopes for clean and continual energy. The technology involves fusing the nuclei of hydrogen atoms to form a helium nucleus that releases enormous amounts of energy without any harmful leftovers.
ITER ( International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) holds the key to solving the inevitable energy crisis of the future. Thirty-five countries have joined hands to develop a Tokamak-design fusion reactor with a targeted output of 500 MW for a 50 MW input.
Nuclear Fusion remains our best hope for virtually limitless energy.
Technologies Countering Climate Change
The Australian WildFire, the Amazon WildFire, the US Wildfires, European Wildfires, the US-Canada Heatdome, melting glaciers, reduction in Arctic ice, violent cyclones in South Asia, droughts and floods– Earth’s climate has changed for the worse.
Decades of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, irresponsible energy consumption and wastage have taken their toll on Mother Nature. We have just one place to live, this blue planet, and with each passing day, we are damaging its environment & ecosystem, making things worse for ourselves.
Shifting to renewable and CLEAN energy is a significant step towards reducing further damage to the ecosystem and climate. In addition, there are a host of innovative technologies that can curb climate change significantly.
- Carbon Capture
Carbon Dioxide is a significant contributor to climate change and global warming. The carbon capture technology aims to capture atmospheric carbon released by a select number of industries and trap them beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Climate Repair
According to researches done by the University of Cambridge, refreezing the poles could help reverse the damage done by human pollution.
- Energy-Efficient Data Centers, Lithium-Ion Batteries,and Energy Efficient Systems are other prominent techs that can help solve the climate crisis of the 21st
Technology is the answer to solving the most significant problems the world will face in the 21st century. Yet, technology is just a tool in our hands, as it was always. It is up to us to decide if we intend to use it to better the ecosystem and our society or to hasten our road to destruction.
Author-Bio: Suhana is a passionate blogger and digital marketing enthusiast. Suhana Williams is one of the most talented assignment experts who also provide android app writing help through Myassignmenthelp. She enjoys the ever-evolving world of digital marketing and loves to share her opinion on every possible update with her audience. When not creating magic with her words, you can find her sky-diving or trekking in the most bizarre locations.
