Technology That Could Change the Environment in 2020

Environmental concerns seem to keep increasing with each passing year, becoming more and more urgent. Thankfully, some recent advances may have an answer to these growing ecological problems. Technology that could change 2020 and the environment may already be here.

This year has had its fair share of crises, but there’s good news on the horizon. In the middle of the whirlwind that has been 2020, new developments show promise in preventing future disasters. Here are five types of technology that could change the environment in 2020.

New Solar Technologies

Solar power isn’t necessarily new, but it hasn’t always been a practical replacement for fossil fuels. A few recent developments in the technology could change that, though. For example, solar glass roofs are already available, making home-generated electricity a more attractive option for people.

Rooftops aren’t the only place to gather solar power anymore, either. Researchers have developed photo-sensitive fabrics, which means you could generate electricity from your clothes. As these technologies improve and become more affordable, more people will move away from fossil fuels.

Artificial Meat

You may not realize it, but the meat industry has a substantial effect on the environment. Raising livestock releases methane and takes up 30% of the world’s usable land, and that doesn’t even include chicken or pork. Food technologies, specifically artificial meat, provide people with a sustainable alternative.

Plant-based beef substitutes have been on the market for a while, and artificial pork recently emerged as well. By turning to these similar-tasting alternatives, people can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. In light of COVID-caused meat shortages, they become even more attractive for consumers.

Carbon Capture and Storage

You don’t always need to turn to renewables to decrease your carbon emissions. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves removing the CO2 from a facility’s exhaust and storing it underground. This process is becoming more popular and can capture hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 a year.

As environmental concerns are becoming more prevalent, more organizations are adopting CCS at faster rates. This trend, along with increased usage of renewables, will lead to a dramatic decrease in carbon emissions. It also provides a way of going green for companies who aren’t ready to invest in renewable energy yet.

Satellite Data Analysis

You can only improve things if you know where the problems you need to address are. That’s why new ways of gathering information are so crucial to protecting the environment. In 2020, more organizations are using satellite imagery to gather data about the environment and analyzing it with AI.

Satellites can collect data researchers may not be able to see otherwise. AI programs can then use predictive analytics based on these findings to suggest courses of action. That way, countries can respond to emerging environmental threats faster and more accurately.

Forest Fire Detection Systems

Wildfires ravaged the Australian countryside early in 2020, but new technology could help address future ones. A team of researchers at Michigan State University developed a remote forest fire detection system this year. This technology would enable faster response times, minimizing damage to the environment.

The system is self-powered, so once people set it up, they don’t have to worry about coming back for maintenance. Having these sensors in the forest itself would allow researchers to catch fires early. They could then respond to them before they become a crisis.

Environmental Technology Could Change 2020

There’s no shortage of technology that could change 2020 and its environmental issues. It may have been a tough year for many people so far, but it’s not all bad news. 2020 could end up being a landmark year for sustainability technology.

These examples are just a few of the technologies that could change the environment in 2020. With further development and broader adoption, tech could help the world avoid a climate crisis.