Seoana Sherry-Brennan
Digital Communications and Prize Engagement Officer
11 Nov 2020
In recent years, environmental scientists have turned their attention towards restoring the balance in nature which humans have unsettled. Technology is being used in incredible ways to help monitor and save a variety of animals, with smart collars fitted with GPS and sensors being used to keep track of endangered species, such as elephants and rhinos. Another way scientists are keeping a watchful eye over wildlife is via conservation drones, which are used to monitor wild forests for natural disasters such as forest fires, to reduce the risk of animals losing their lives.
An example of an organisation working on this issue using tech for good is Wildlife Protection Solutions. They help provide 24/7 monitoring of wildlife reserves using custom camera traps and software which can detect wildlife threats and prompt an immediate response to active intrusions and illegal activities.
As vegetarianism and veganism has become more popular, meat substitutes have come a long way since Linda McCartney dominated the meat-free market. The meat production industry, like many industries, is not well-known for being the most environmentally-friendly so developing synthetic meat has been a way to help reduce that impact. Now, there are whole aisles in the supermarket dedicated to meat-free alternatives, from juicy burgers, to crispy bacon – all made without a real animal in sight!
An example of an organisation working on this is Impossible Foods, winners of the United Nations Environment Planetary Health Champion of the Earth Award, which aims to replace the need for animals as a food-production technology – globally, by 2035.
Chances are, you have a smart meter in your home, or know someone who does. Or, your lights may be fitted with energy-saving bulbs. Smart home devices conserve energy by using artificial intelligence (A.I.) to turn off power or adjust the temperature in your home before you even step foot through the door. By reducing the energy consumption of your home, you are helping to reduce energy wastage – a straightforward but powerful way to help protect the planet.
An example of an organisation working on this issue is WattTime which uses machine learning algorithms and data to make energy use more efficient. Using smart devices, WattTime gives people the opportunity to see and decide how their electricity is made.
We may not be a paperless society quite yet, but we are gradually moving towards a world which is far less wasteful when it comes to paper. Alternatives to printed materials are becoming more and more popular, with e-reader and audiobook purchases on the rise during lockdown. Your Netflix binge sessions are also helping the planet too, by reducing the demand for producing DVDs and the plastic packaging that comes with them.
Which is your favourite streaming site?
Wish your appliances could tell you what was wrong with them, rather than being surprised with a faulty fridge and being forced to replace it? New smart appliances can self-diagnose faults and whizz you an email to let you know if a part has an issue or is about to wear out. As well as saving your parents money, it also saves the planet, by reducing the amount of items that end up in landfill every year. There are also intelligent green buildings being developed, which are constructed to harness and implement natural lighting throughout their interiors, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels needed to illuminate homes and offices.
Check out this list of some of the top green buildings in the world!
In a world where humans have utilised technology to benefit themselves, it’s great to see more steps being taken to use advances in tech to help protect the planet and everything in it. We’re hoping to see more innovative ideas come through in the years Prize, which help us to live greener, more environmentally-friendly lives!
