TECHNOLOGY AND ITS SUPPORT IN SUSTAINABILITY NIRANJAN GIDWANI CONSULTANT DIRECTOR | BOARD MEMBER SSGMUAE | MEMBER UAE SUPERBRANDS COUNCIL | CHARTER MEMBER TIE DUBAI | HBR ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

The future is digital. This will create the single biggest impact in terms of defining how we all will live, work, and interact with each other. It will also define both directions - how we sustain ourselves and how we will destroy ourselves through wars.

Technology will be an empowering force for good. It will also create more division and exclusion. This will depend on the ethically conscious choices we make today and in the future.

In order to leverage the massive potential of digital for development purposes, the world will need to make an intentional effort to steer technology development and transformation in a direction that is both inclusive and sustainable.

The role of science and technology in building sustainability is becoming a topic that is being discussed across the world. Like “ChatGPT” and “Artificial Intelligence”, the word “Sustainability” is also being used frequently by just about everyone. Yet, with global resources steadily exhausting, the importance of science being able to find solutions has become even more mandatory and urgent now.

And this is where technology comes in. It plays an extremely vital role in sustainable development. Whether it is economic, environmental or social, the role of technology to meet the requirements of sustainable development cannot be denied. Technology is helping to create new or alternate sources to offset the resources that are fast depleting. It is also helping us find ways to reuse the remaining resources in an efficient way.

It is indeed fascinating to see how science and technology is being used to create better health and wellbeing and perform minimal invasive procedure robotic surgeries. The world has started looking at ways to limit the use of hormones, anti-biotics and pesticides. Technology is being used to develop sustainable agriculture and fisheries. More and more educational courses, graduate and MBA programs should be created in the field of sustainable sciences and management.

Technology is helping business, trade and commerce thrive in various markets globally. In a lot of global stock markets, it is quite a few of the technology stocks which are keeping the markets buoyant. The whole new world of modern-day ecommerce, startups and start-up ecosystems got created through use of either technology or technology-backed solutions. With such solutions, it is getting easier to project future trends, tailoring to the needs of dynamic business markets. 

With involvement getting visibly more sincere, the good news is that sustainability, which has always been just another “buzzword” on the fringes of technological development, is slowly progressing toward being the focal point of things. 

This then brings us to the role of all the gadgets and devices which are being used to facilitate faster adoption of technology. When it comes to clothing, apparel, coffee, chocolate and such items, there are dozens of labels and certifications that prove products have been sourced and manufactured in a socially and environmentally ethical way. But when it comes to smartphones, computers and other dozens of devices, where does the world stand? Is there need to build such rapid obsolescence into products to create frequent purchase? 

There are two types of obsolescence — planned and perceived. Planned obsolescence is where devices stop working properly after a period of time due to incompatibility with new updates or wear and tear on components that are designed so that they can’t be replaced.

Perceived obsolescence is when we swap out our devices not because they no longer work, but because we want the newest version available. 

According to a report by the United Nations, the production of electronic devices accounts for about 50 million tons of e-waste generated globally each year. The report also mentioned that for every million smartphones refurbished and reused, 16,000 tons of raw materials can be saved. These materials include precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as rare earth metals and other non-renewable resources.

Thankfully, the refurbished industry is getting better and better organized.

One of the most significant trends that will help in creating sustainable electronics will be the use of renewable energy sources. Many countries and companies are exploring investing in solar and wind power to reduce their carbon footprint. This not only benefits the environment but also helps to lower energy costs in the long run.

The world needs to seriously comprehend the importance of sustainable technology so that a little goes a long way. 

The human population stands at close to 8 billion today. The need of the hour is to develop tech-backed solutions that go the long haul, thereby mitigating the environmental impact.

To conclude, I am borrowing an excellent thought from the brochure of my friend’s company which is assisting in creating a blueprint for a circular water smart society –

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors.

We borrow it from our children.”