The world currently thrives in the age of technology. Technology today has profoundly shaped our way of life as human beings. With reach into the economy and every sphere of life, technology has a grasp on our environment as well. Many reports have shown that technology has impacted our environment negatively. It has been linked to being the key to addressing environmental degradation, climate change, food scarcity, waste management, and other pressing global challenges, and yet has also been one of the causes of the same evils we fight in our environment today. Several multilateral environmental agreements, intergovernmental decisions and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development stress the importance of mechanisms to support the transfer of technology transfer. 

Technology includes any equipment, knowledge and skills needed to perform a particular activity. It also includes both ‘soft technologies’ such as information, research, training, and capacity-building, and ‘hard’ technologies such as equipment. As a whole, as we fight for our environment, and strive to achieve most of the Sustainable development goals, we can’t leave technology at bay. Technology may be the quickest solution we have yet. Such technologies that can be used as a solution to environmental challenges include:

Renewable Energy: The development and implementation of renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and hydropower can reduce the use of fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Efficiency: The use of energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and efficient appliances, can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Sustainable Agriculture: Technologies such as precision farming and soil sensors can optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and minimize the use of harmful chemicals, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Water Conservation: Technologies like low-flow showerheads, water-efficient irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting can help conserve water resources.

Waste Management: Technology can improve waste management through the implementation of recycling and composting programs, waste-to-energy systems, and landfill gas recovery.

Environmental Monitoring: The use of sensors, satellites, and other monitoring technologies can help track changes in the environment, identify areas of concern, and inform conservation efforts.

Green Transportation: The development and adoption of electric vehicles, public transportation systems powered by renewable energy, and alternative fuel vehicles can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.

Today, the majority of us as human beings are attached to technological apps as well. Several tech apps have been developed as significant actions towards environmental conservation. This simply means that as a layman, you can impact the environment with a few taps on your phone. We will share a few of these applications below, however, as we close our discussion on sustainable development goals, we urge you to take extra care of the surroundings around you. Change as it has always been, starts with us. Tech apps that help with environmental conservation include:

1. iNaturalist allows users to record and share their observations of plants and animals, contributing to citizen science efforts and helping researchers track biodiversity and habitat changes.
2. Ecosia is a search engine app that uses its ad revenue to finance tree-planting projects around the world. By using Ecosia as your search engine, you can support reforestation efforts.
3. JouleBug is a sustainability app that provides users with tips, challenges, and rewards for adopting eco-friendly habits. It encourages users to reduce their environmental impact in various areas of their daily lives.
4. GoodGuide helps users make informed purchasing decisions by providing information on the environmental and social impact of various products. It allows users to scan barcodes and access ratings and data on product sustainability.
5. Olio is a food-sharing app that connects people with excess food to those who can use it, reducing food waste and promoting community sharing.
6. Oroeco helps individuals track their carbon footprint based on their daily activities and provides personalized tips to reduce their environmental impact.
7. Forest is a productivity app that encourages users to stay focused by planting virtual trees. As users resist the temptation to use their smartphones, real trees are planted as a result, contributing to reforestation efforts.

“Technology is neutral and sterile. Now, technology is the nature of modern man; it is our environment and our horizon. Of course, every work of man is a negation of nature, but at the same time, it is a bridge between nature and us.”

– Octavio Paz