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Environmental Technology and Sustainability

Hillary Cyril | Editor, TechAnnouncer

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Environmental technology is the application of any one or more of the following disciplines: biological sciences, geology, climatology, environmental engineering, environmental health and safety, energy efficiency, environmental ecology, environmental technology, sustainable design and construction, environmental quality management, and energy transfer. The earth’s environment is constantly in a state of flux, experiencing dramatic changes driven by climate and other natural factors. Advances in science and technology have made incredible strides forward in many areas, but the unchecked growth of mankind has also created problems. One of the most serious issues facing humanity today is global warming. Man’s demand for energy, water, and other natural resources has resulted in massive pollution, leading to the deterioration of the earth’s environment.

A major challenge facing the world today is to preserve and protect the planet’s natural systems, biodiversity, ecosystems, animals, plants, and humans. Rapid population growth, the increasing use of fossil fuels, and the use of chemical and nuclear weapons have all resulted in massive pollution, severe degradation of the environment’s ecological balance, and accelerating climate change. Environmental technology has been crucial in the fight against these problems, using a variety of environmental technologies that can either prevent, reduce, or reverse the degradation of the environment. Examples include energy conservation, such as through energy efficiency and advanced vehicles; creation of a sustainable development strategy to mitigate environmental impacts; development of the environment to promote tourism and environmental protection; and development of bioenergy, renewable energy, and sustainable energy. In addition, these technologies can also improve air quality, solid waste management, solid waste removal, occupational health and safety, food safety, water quality, global warming, and climate change adaptation.

There are many environmental technology programs available in colleges and universities. These include programs that provide both basic and advanced education in environmental technology as well as courses oriented towards a specific discipline. These can be in various fields, such as bioenergy, climate change adaptation, sustainable architecture, water quality improvement, energy efficiency, sustainable design, and occupational safety and health. The course curriculum should include the study of the principles and practices of sustainable engineering as well as courses on building greenhouses and related technologies. Some of the more popular environmental technology courses include those provided by the GE Sustainable Technology Initiatives, which offer courses on energy, water, and waste management; and the National Academy of Sciences, which offers courses on sustainable design.



Another segment of the environmental technology field is focused on the mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change. Several different techniques are being used for this, including carbon sequestering, energy conservation, carbon absorption, geoengineering, adaptation, and regional planning. The techniques are developed to offset the negative impacts caused by climate change, while also protecting the natural world. These techniques include carbon sequestration, which involves removing greenhouse gases from the air and replacing them with higher levels of renewable sources; geoengineering, which involves the modification of natural processes to remove or increase precipitation and snowfall; and adaptation, which is increasing the knowledge and skills necessary for the protection of the natural world.

Another branch of the environmental technology field is concerned with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Concentrating on methods to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide, these specialists seek to protect the environment while still providing a means of increasing living standards. Several different techniques are being utilized in this effort. One such technique is carbon absorption, which involves capturing carbon dioxide before it enters the atmosphere. Another technique is known as negative emission technologies, which involves using power wisely, generating fewer emissions, or using energy more efficiently.

Besides the major components of environmental technology, there are several sub-components that are important for effective sustainable development. These include sustainable design, which seeks to balance economic, social, and ecological goals; natural resource management, which seeks to restore, protect, and sustain the natural environment; and energy conservation, which seeks to reduce the negative impact of energy consumption on the natural environment. Additionally, certain strategies are being developed to increase access to green technologies. These include public education and promotion of clean energy, as well as government regulation and subsidies. Ultimately, to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability, a number of green technologies will need to be developed.

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