Why Green Tech May Not Be the Perfect Solution to Sustainability :
Global green tech startups raised $32 billion in 2021 alone. A recent report has shown that the green tech market is projected to reach $74.64 billion by 2030. Sustainability has become necessary for many existing companies and startups to reduce environmental impacts. This ecological movement has also spread to the Middle East, with Startups using innovative concepts to approach Sustainability.
However, while green technologies may seem like the holy grail for environmental sustainability, there are many downsides to consider. Many arguments have shown that while green tech may answer one environmental problem, it can cause many others. This article will discuss the various aspects of green technology and why there may be better solutions than it is.
Understanding Green Tech And Its Relationship With Sustainability
More manufacturers have started using safe technology measures to create environmentally friendly products. Green tech seeks to protect the environment, repair past damage and conserve the earth’s natural resources. However, green tech is broad, and its adoption varies among countries.
Many countries have launched campaigns to remove single-use plastics and use other alternatives such as bioplastics and recycling technologies. Another green tech is renewable energy, intending to reduce fossil fuels and combat climate change. Recent reports have shown that solar and wind power accounted for 70% of the new energy capacity in 2021.
Furthermore, the Gulf states have also supported the commitment to sustainable, robust, cooperative action to combat climate change. The industrial sector accounted for 38% of global emissions in 2021 alone. According to Asher Fredman, CEO of Gulf-Isreal Green Ventures, the UAE has made huge strides in green energy by implementing the world’s most advanced green technologies.
One example is Abu Dhabi, which is home to the Middle East’s first carbon capture and storage facility. The latest reports from the Global Cleantech Innovation Index showed that Israel ranked second in the world’s emerging cleantech innovation. “Over the decade, as renewable energy becomes a growing focus, the UAE and Israel could become centres of green innovations,” said Fredman.
The Limits of Green Tech on Sustainability
Although green tech has become quite popular in recent technology and science processes. Although its green tech offers hope for conservatively what’s left of the environment, it may not necessarily be the answer we’re looking for. The problem with green tech is reducing ecological impacts in one area can cause worse damage in another area.
Electric vehicles have also come under scrutiny for their contributions to carbon emissions. The batteries in electric vehicles rely on lithium mined from South American rainforests. Likewise, devices like solar panels and wind turbines require rare minerals that can only be extracted by diesel-powered generators. EcoWatch reported that only about 10% of solar panel waste is recycled annually. At the same time, the rest makes its way to landfills.
The bottom line is that while green tech might seem like a step in the right direction, it only partially covers the issue of climate change. It may make little difference in terms of global temperatures.
