Clean technology solutions need to step up in the fight against climate change

From solar energy to autonomous electric cars, we already have access to technologies and tools to combat the devastating effects of climate change. That's the good news.

However, in the light of the alarming warnings on the future of the planet issued by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this month – which urgently called for reducing emissions global carbon emissions of more than 50% over the next decade, extinction – these clean tech solutions might not be enough.

Until enough people mobilize their efforts to achieve global change on the part of governments and the industry that consume energy, experts believe that our individual choices and actions may be insufficient. .

It is there that some of our most widespread technological tools, from social media to the Internet itself, can play.

According to clean technology experts, we currently do not have access to technologies or their availability. But it is rather a question of implementation. To make a substantial difference, this implementation must be global.

It's easy to design today's technology like a smartphone, a virtual reality or one of the personal gadgets that distract us, making our lives easier, faster and more fun yet. . But the networks that charge these devices and power our cities are in fact the most widespread technology in our lives. And for the most part, they still use fossil fuels.

A Tesla energy storage facility opened in Australia in November 2017. Large scale energy storage could allow for "innumerable amounts of solar and wind energy on the grid. According to Tom Rand, a venture capital firm specializing in clean technologies. (You're here)

Until the energy of this network is clean, all the tools, toys and gadgets we connect are not, says Tom Rand, a clean tech capitalist and author of Kick the fossil fuel habit.

"The biggest challenge is that infrastructure takes a lot of time to replace," he said.

But solutions exist. Rand explains that "we are starting to see more energy storage at the network scale", which involves storing huge amounts of electricity on the grid, much larger than the average. An electric car battery, which makes it both cleaner and more efficient.

"This allows infinite amounts of solar and wind energy on the grid," he said.

Electric vehicles, including cars and public transportation, offer more hope.

"Once people have affordable options for clean transportation, it will go a long way in reducing emissions," said John Paul Morgan, chief technology officer (CTO) of Morgan Solar, based in Toronto.

And while not everyone realistically buys an electric car, "these are things like practical applications for public transport, bike sharing networks and electric scooters that will make a difference." big difference, "said Morgan.

Technological problem

Yet, despite all the sustainable solutions from the world of technology, there are also very big culprits who have added to our broadcasts, including bitcoin, which has been at the center of its own sustainability controversy because of the excessive energy required to run the computers. than "mine" cryptocurrency.

Fans intended for use with cryptocurrency mining computers are visible in front of the Bitcoin logo at an exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. The energy consumption badociated with the exploitation of cryptocurrency has increased. (Tyrone Siu / Reuters)

New research suggests that the cessation of the bitcoin trade would reduce global energy consumption sufficiently to offset the emission reductions needed for a full year, in order to limit temperature rises, at the suggestion of l & # 39; UN.

And while bitcoin enthusiasts claim that the conversation about digital currency and its use of energy has been too simplistic, critics maintain that it is an energy nightmare.

"In the interest of the planet, I hope that bitcoin will die," Morgan said.

With respect to what individuals can do, the experts are divided. Some say that because of the urgency of the climate situation, this issue is in our hands and now belongs to governments, industry and policy makers.

But others believe that doing something is better than doing nothing and reducing consumption – including the amount of energy we depend on – is an important part of the solution.

Easy alternatives

For those looking to integrate more sustainable energy sources into our daily lives, Rand says his first suggestion is to look at alternatives to natural gas for home heating, such as installing a heat pump, which, he says, "is extremely effective at drawing even very cold heat, and most importantly, it works at solar or wind power."

And while electric vehicles are useful, reducing our carbon footprint is not just about how we move around, but about the number of trips we make each day.

Since January 2016, the Seward Alaska SeaLife Center has replaced 98% of its fossil fuel heating needs with a heat pump system that draws heat from the seawater. (Dan Joling / Associated Press)

While this may not be an option for workers in all sectors, more Canadians could work from home, using video chat and digital communication tools to keep in touch while keeping the cars of the road.

Even among those like Morgan, who said that tackling climate change was no longer a challenge for individuals, there are still ways to use technology to help – in the first place. using to unite.

"The most significant thing we can do is organize ourselves politically and lobby for collective action," Morgan said.

After all, when it comes to technology and climate change, it reminds us that the challenge is not the lack of tools or solutions; it is more awareness and adoption. Technology has been used many times to get people to join causes they believe in, which could be the next most important step.

According to Morgan, we need climate change "to become viral".