How Code Can Help us Become a Greener Planet?

Our planet is what makes us, keeps us, and nourishes us. We are nothing without it. And it is our utmost duty to make sure we do what is best for it. Planet Earth is the home of approximately 8.7 million species. Among these, humans are referred to as the most evolved. But the current status of the climate, forests, water bodies, marine life, etc., has proved that we, as caretakers, are failing to do our part. It started small, but after generations of evolution, we have come to a stage where everything around us is degrading.

With the rapid advent of technology, life on Earth has flourished. However, in our thirst to reach new heights, we seem to have forgotten our roots. We have lost track of the fact that our rash decisions are adversely affecting our home planet. So, it is about time we use technology not just to protect but also to heal the planet and its resources.

Renewable Energy

Our planet provides almost an infinite range of resources to choose from. However, not all of them are available in an infinite capacity. Some have limits and are on their way to depletion. Therefore, it is our responsibility to find ways of saving them for the generations to come and instead use renewable resources. Renewable energy is harnessed from renewable resources available in nature. They are not just infinite but naturally restored. Since the beginning, the sun, wind, water, waves, etc., has sustained human life. Let’s look at some of these clean energies that will help make our planet more sustainable for the future.

• Solar Energy

The sun is the perfect example of unlimited power. We all know that its light and heat are harnessed using solar panels to create electricity. The latest technological advance in this sphere is the introduction of Solar Photovoltaic (PV). Here, semiconductors like silicon are used to change sunlight into electricity. 

• Wind Energy

Unlike the sun, the wind is available all day, making it the most up-and-coming source of energy. When air blows, it creates kinetic energy. From this, electricity is manufactured using wind turbines. An industrial wind turbine can produce up to 2 megawatts, whereas the smaller ones can run a household. Furthermore, it not only conserves fossil fuels but also lowers CO2 emissions.

• Water Energy

Water gives life to one and all. And a combination of this lifeline with the latest technology can help in our approach to retaining a sustainable green planet. Its abundance is used to create hydroelectricity and tidal energy. 

• Hydropower is a renewable form of energy created from flowing water like rivers. As per the latest tech, rotors on turbines generate mechanical energy and electricity.
• Tidal energy uses the rise and fall of tides in water bodies. Modern technologies like tidal barrages and tidal fences are used for the same.

• Use of Electric Cars

We cannot imagine life without vehicles anymore. But owing to our busy schedule, we often fail to realize the effect of its use on nature. Resources like petroleum and diesel are available in huge quantities but are still limited. Moreover, the use of cars emits an enormous amount of greenhouse gases, causing air pollution. Keeping all of this in mind, coders and technologists have created an eco-friendly solution⏤Electric Cars. 

These cars help improve the air due to their lack of CO2 emissions. They run on rechargeable batteries. Only one of these helps reduce CO2 output by 1.5 million grams annually. Attempts are being made to make batteries recyclable to make this approach even more environment-friendly. 

• Technological Advances in Recycling

Did you know that there are around 2000 landfills in the United States with 250 million tons of waste annually? Out of this, only a selected section is recycled. The remaining waste is thrown in open dumps.

So, what is recycling? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.” It helps in making something valuable out of things that are being thrown away. Some of the day-to-day recyclable items are paper, old clothes, glass items, etc.

Plastic waste is one of the most harmful. The good thing is that recycling plastic takes up only half the energy needed to burn it. As a result, air and soil pollution are reduced. Using the latest technology, any form of polypropylene can be stripped of odor, color, and contamination, making it fit for reuse. Furthermore, with the latest RFID technology in product packaging, it becomes easier to segregate recyclable items and learn more about them.

The Earth is vast, and we often feel that the attempts of one single person are highly insufficient. But, today, of all the achievements of technology and codes, the biggest one is social media. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for raising much-needed awareness. With its assistance, we can all do our part to educate everyone on how to protect the environment and restore a greener planet. Read more blogs on BYJU’S FutureSchool to know about how code can help us become a greener planet.