Are modern technologies being used to their full potential?

We are using modern technology to combat climate change, but not to its full potential (yet). There is still more that could be achieved with solar power technology, batteries, alternatives to plastics and recycling, among many other things. Some exciting and innovative new ideas include paint that can convert energy from the sun – which could then be used on roads or on houses.

There are also efforts underway to produce fully biodegradable plastic alternatives, from seaweed or plant fibres. We also have a lot of exciting development happening in electric cars and infrastructure for solar charging stations. This will all help us move away from a reliance on fossil fuels, which is the main cause of climate change. 

As well as helping us to reduce the causes of climate change, modern technologies can also help us to adapt to the changes climate change will bring. We can use models and satellites to predict extreme events ahead of time so we can plan ways to reduce the impacts. Farmers can use technology to help them plant crops more suited to future climate. We can also use technology to build houses that are more energy efficient, and plan new developments in ways that take into account climate change. 

Modern technology is a useful part of our response to climate change, but we also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci6LKz0ajfI&t=7sneed to do other things too, like reducing our consumption (see Curious Climate Schools what can I do?). Climate change needs a range of responses, we can’t rely on technology alone.