According to NASA, the current level of Carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the major heat-trapping gases, scientifically termed as green-house gases, has reached the highest level in the history, i.e. 410 ppm. This means that there are 410 particles of this environment-deteriorating gas in every million particles of air.
This situation is, indeed, alarming and experts belonging to various fields are taking vigorous steps to conserve the environment. Different concepts are gaining popularity and one of the most impactful amongst them is Green Technology.
What is Green Technology?
Green Technology, also referred to as sustainable technology, is the applicability of science and technology to protect the environment and reduce the impact of anthropogenic activities on it.
This field encompasses multiple domains such as green chemistry, green infrastructure and many more. Its focus areas include, but are not limited to, energy efficiency, renewable energy, conservation of natural resources, pollution reduction and recycling.
This field has developed immensely in a span of few years and various innovative technologies are contributing towards the preservation and retrieval of environment.
However, the question is, which is the simplest way to further accelerate this progress?
The answer to this question is “Green Technology Education”. Governments throughout the world have realized this and developed programs to incorporate green technology education at a school-wide and subject level.
These initiatives are not just limited to governments, leading research universities are also playing their part in this regard, and have developed departments focused on sustainability and green technology.
Why Green Technology Education is Important?
Current environmental situations and future threats have accentuated the need for the incorporation of green technology in the educational system. Following three reasons highlight, why green technology education is essential and how it can enhance the production, development and other sectors:
- Promotes Green Technology from Initial Stages
Introduction of green technology from school level can play an essential role in shaping children’s minds about environment-friendly practices.
- It will charge their creativity and develop innovative ideas, which they can discuss with their teachers. This might be their first step in the journey of solutions for an environmental-friendly future.
- They will understand the adverse impact of certain common activities on the environment, such as excessive use of plastic, and might try to curtail it in their surroundings.
- Research has shown that children have a strong influence on adults, therefore, the promotion of green technology in them will indirectly promote it among the adults as well.
According to Nicole Ardion, an associate professor at the Graduate School of Education and a senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, school gardens can prove to be a lab for the students after school hours. Her work with the girl scouts has resulted in a change in their house’s energy behavior, and hence a reduction in electricity consumption.
- Expands Research
Every year, millions of students enroll in higher educational institutions in the hope to research their ideas and develop technologies that could shape Earth’s future. Green technology is not an exception, and many people around the globe have ideas that could change the current scenario. These ideas require a platform, and higher educational degrees centered around this area can grant this opportunity to them.
Universities are, no doubt, the hub of research and the exchange of ideas among like-minded individuals seeking solutions to make human activities environmental-friendly fuels researchers’ creativity. Furthermore, the combined efforts of the extensively experienced faculty and students hone ideas and makes them more achievable and applicable. Students can share their achievements and motivate others in no-time with the assistance of research paper writing services online.
In recent years, many top-ranked universities around the world have introduced research degrees focused on sustainable development. For instance, the University of Cambridge offers M.Phil. in Engineering for Sustainable Development. The research conducted by the collaboration of its students and faculty has resulted in exceptional solutions for major environmental issues such as a plastic waste management framework for urban Ghana.
The aforementioned example makes it evident that how green technology-focused degrees could result in solutions of many pressing issues. Therefore, more universities, specifically in the under-developed and developing countries should introduce green technology subjects in their higher education.
- Green Technology Education in Organizations
Education is a process that continues throughout the lifetime and green technology education is not an exception. People who have passed the phase of their college education can also enhance their knowledge of green technology via short courses, seminars and workshops.
Organizations can play a pivotal role in this regard by arranging such sessions. Their employees’ green technology education is essential because green principles can’t be accommodated in the manufacturing and other working environments unless the workers are aware of them.
For instance, if an organization’s office or factory is certified with Leadership in Environment and Energy Design (LEED), then it is necessary for it to have its employees educated in environmental-friendly practices to keep the affiliation valid.
These educational sessions also have an impact on the overall practices of the workers. They try to develop their own ideas and implement green practices in their daily life.
The dire need to further expand the field of green technology requires the introduction of its subject in all forms of education. This might halt the rapid depletion of natural resources and keep the Earth live-able for future generations.
