Necessity is the mother of invention, so said Greek philosopher Plato in “Republic”. And it aptly applies to the world’s current race to mitigate the adverse extreme effects of climate change to prevent the earth’s system collapse by 2050.
One of the strategic actions is environmental or sustainable or green innovation through which change can be achieved in how we do what things in various aspects of life, as society and individuals. And there’s a rich harvest of fresh ideas spurred so far partly by a desire to make up for the abuses and destruction that humans have done to God’s creation.
Top green innovations
Green innovations are those which contribute to the creation of new products, services, or processes to reduce the harm, impact, and deterioration of the environment at the same time that they optimize the use of natural resources (link.springer.com). Top green innovations include electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, green buildings, hydroponics, compostable packaging, biogas, carbon capture, battery storage, sustainable water purification, and programmable thermostats. Generally, they aim for energy renewability and efficiency that provide an alternative to fossil fuels which emit gases contributing to the global warming.
Recycling is one popular method to develop an innovation. Old, used, and disposable stuffs need not immediately add to the solid waste build-up but be transformed to new products with new function and design. Technology innovations that are meant primarily for business, communications, work efficiency, social relations, also have benefits for the environment with popular examples of reduced tree-cutting for paper supply and reduced use of transport energy with digitization and 5G for internet.
Filipino initiatives
In the global development of environmental and sustainable innovations, Filipinos do not lag behind. This year, the Dept of Science and Technology (DOST) will field nine Filipino inventors and scientists to the International Exhibition of Inventors in Geneva, Switzerland and spotlight their inventions some of which to benefit agriculture, water safety, and environment.
In the construction industry, green buildings are emerging with the Zuellig Building in Makati as a shining example. The 33=floor, all-glass structure is a net-zero building for its energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and carbon neutrality and as such has been awarded the highest level of recognition for sustainable design and construction by the prestigious LEED Plantinum certification.
At the 4th Philippine Environment last year, some Filipino environmentalists presented their scaled-up solutions to the climate emergency. There’s the floating solar panels project by Sanacor with WeGen Laudato Si to replace electricity in powering its aquaculture farm in Saranggani province in Mindanao. Also, an innovative up-cycling venture harnessing insects’ potential for feeds production in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries by Insiklo Philippines. And some other new sustainable projects.
Technology advances today and for tomorrow can therefore help people live in synergy with the environment that is threatened by climate change and abusive practices. To innovate, go wild with ideas, boost your environmental passion and commitment, write a detailed business plan, find a generous funder who shares your dream. And, act like your house is on fire as Swedish environment activist Greta Thunberg first told world leaders when she was 15 years old 6 years ago. #
Erlie Lopez is a writer, poet, PR consultant, and environment advocate.
Contact: erlielopez@gmail.com
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