On Earth Day 2013, many have several concerns about keeping our planet green. However, global warming, deforestation, over-fishing and industrial accidents continue to threaten our environment.
Around the world, technology is helping scientists sustain our environment. Some species of endangered animals such as California's elephant seal, are making a comeback. Solar power is being harnessed efficiently in more than 100 countries and a new water treatment process could help the ocean's dead zones become habitable again.
Here are some technologies that are helping to keep the Earth green:
Instant WILD, an iPhone app, snaps a photo of wild animal from cameras placed in remote locations all around the world. Anyone who downloads the app can send the photo to the Zoological Society of London. This saves the scientists from staring at endless hours of video footage and engages the public in conservation.
Carbon capture and biofuels are also a big arena for environmental research. The tech company Synthetic Genomics is using big data genome sequencing to influence the lifestyle of minute organisms such as bacteria and algae. The company hopes to use these organisms for home energy production, biofuels and even in agriculture.
In the individual home, the Nest thermostat has changed the task of home heating and cooling. The device allows for control of your home temperature over the web, meaning that you can quickly turn down your thermostat from work. It also comes with a feature designed to make energy saving decisions and inform the user when they're wasting fuel.
Awareness about our environment is turning into local and national action, from individual conservation to political activism. Major organizations are working toward sustainability, measurement and analysis of our planet's future. These insights lead to better decisions by big companies and individuals on how to keep the Earth green.
