Technology in Sustainable Development

Technology plays a very crucial role in sustainable development. Our innovation in various technologies has led us to a point where we can find a clean, green, and sustainable replacement for almost all the things around us. Let’s start with the basics: what is technology? The main meaning of technology is the application of theoretical knowledge to achieve a practical goal. The development of technology has been going on since ancient times. But the use of technology for sustainable development has begun quite recently, owing to the fact that we are using resources at a much faster pace.

The meaning of sustainable development is a type of approach that aims to meet the need for the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to sustain themselves. The world in which we are currently living is in dire need of sustainable development, and technology can play a really important part in it. The worsening climate change, the fast depletion of our resources, both natural and otherwise, along with the growing social inequalities that are reaching new heights with the passing of each day. If each of these things is not managed properly, then it is not wrong to say that the future of humans as a whole will be in crisis.

Technology can help us overcome this problem in a much more reasonable way. The development of technologies in various fields can greatly help in sustainable development. The fields could be anything—from environment to social, and from social to ethical.

Technological Development in Environmental Sustainability:
The development of technologies in the field of environmental sustainability has come a long way. We can clearly see the innovation and development in the renewable energy sector that have happened in the last few decades. The advances made in solar, wind, and geothermal technologies have helped us take a huge leap toward sustainable development. These help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are a finite resource and also a known major cause of environmental damage. This is also helpful in other ways, as the success of these technologies means moving investment and development in other cleaner and greener energy alternatives.

There are also batteries in which major development has happened, especially in the last decade. This has also led to a bloom in the EV market, which has in turn helped in reducing our over dependence on fossil fuels. The development in the batteries, especially the Li-ion batteries, has also helped in making the renewable sources of energy more reliable, thus helping in their adaptation among more industries and even common people.

Technologies have also helped in reducing waste and pollution. With the help of 3D printing, it has become easier for even common people to 3D print components that would have otherwise been available for a very high price. The availability of cheap filament and even some that are made using recycled materials has made a huge dent towards sustainable development, both from an economic as well as environmental point of view.

Role of Technology in Economic Sustainability:
There had recently been a new word going around: “Circular Economy." Circular economy is to make the most of the available resources, minimize waste, and promote sustainability. Circular economy is a closed-loop system where resources are reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled.

Precise agriculture is also one of the technologies that have developed in recent years, which optimizes the use of water and nutrients, reduces waste, and increases productivity.

Recent rapid development in digitalization has greatly contributed towards sustainable development. One of the products of digitalization is remote work. These have led to a reduction in resource consumption as people are able to do their work remotely, thus saving the resources that would otherwise be used, like for traveling, etc. Digitalization has also helped in ways, such as through social media, to make more people aware of the silent crises that we are currently facing and can thus contribute their part in it.

Technological Contribution to Social Sustainability:
Technology has enabled people to access education and healthcare more easily. Even people who were unable to access these fundamental things are now able to benefit all thanks to various technologies. Professionals are able to provide quality education to people living in remote areas remotely using the internet. Similarly, healthcare facilities are being able to be provided to people who are in need of them.

Technology has also enabled the bridging of social gaps by connecting people globally. It provides information that would have been otherwise inaccessible, which helps in supporting marginalized communities.

The ultimate goal of sustainable development is one in which social development and environmental preservation do not impede economic expansion. When incorporated effectively, it can create social equality, protect the environment, and sustain long-term economic stability.