Global warming is one of the biggest threats to the future of our planet and the life we live on it. That’s why we all have a shared responsibility to make positive changes that, together, will make a big difference. There may be ways we can all live more sustainably, but one of the most impactful areas is using technology to track and reduce our carbon footprint. which are related to the price and the actions we do in our daily life.
While technology has many answers to exacerbating the climate crisis, digital technology can also play an important role in combating it. And, as technology becomes more accessible, using it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are three important types of technology we can use to reduce our carbon emissions.
Smart home devices
Smart home devices are no longer a futuristic concept reserved for modern homes. There is already widespread adoption of the technology across the country, and this trend is likely to continue. In fact, by 2029, it is expected that 94% of all electricity meters in North America will be ‘smart’, ensuring that many customers can benefit from their ability to save energy.
It’s not just smart meters that are changing the living environment. There are many devices on the market, including thermostats, lights and ovens that all use smart technology to reduce energy use. These products can learn from home practices to use the home’s electricity supply more efficiently, reducing utility costs and carbon emissions. As technology continues to advance, we can expect that the smart homes of the future (and the present) will play a major role in reducing residential temperatures.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
America is embracing the EV transition, albeit more slowly than China. While there are big differences between countries, overall the US has the second most EVs on the road. For years, drivers of older petrol cars have expressed reluctance to change, with ‘too much anxiety’ being one of the reasons often cited. With more investment going into the EV market, manufacturers are developing and improving their engines to compete with the long range of internal combustion engines. Today, many electric vehicles on the market can offer the same range as their gasoline counterparts, lowering one of the important barriers to adoption.
From a carbon perspective, when you have to consider the impact of production and charging, EVs produce zero emissions on the road. In comparison, a gasoline-powered passenger car will produce about 4.6 tons of CO.2 every year. This highlights how much of an impact switching to electric vehicles can have on our carbon footprint.
Tools and flags for carbon footprint tracking
Big data analysis enabled by artificial intelligence can also have a huge impact on the corporate world, helping businesses make more informed decisions about their environmental strategies. Even on a very small scale, the data is as important as helping individuals to make positive changes that will contribute to important environmental outcomes.
With the help of the latest technologies that track consumption, we are now able to accurately read our individual production, giving us a clearer description of any methods that offend the environment. This allows us to make the necessary changes in our lifestyles to help reduce our overall footprint. There are many free online tools where you can calculate your annual income, and these calculators are a great place to start.
However, you may choose to take it one step further by using carbon tracking devices to measure your emissions as you go: Earth Hero and the World Wildlife Fund’s My Footprint apps are options two good ones. Tools like these allow you to set goals and monitor your progress over time, making the goal of reducing your carbon footprint more manageable.
Taking responsibility with technology
There are many ways we can all reduce our carbon footprint, but some methods will fit your lifestyle better than others. Take the time to identify the areas where you think you can cut back, and use key technologies to help you reach your carbon goals. Embracing technological solutions is key to helping us tackle many of our environmental challenges and building a healthier planet for all of us to enjoy. When we all realize our environmental responsibilities, the effects reverberate around the world.
About the Author
After completing his degree in Environmental Science, Trevor Gray focused his work as an operations consultant, helping businesses and individuals make more informed decisions.
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