You might believe that we have an energy crisis if you pay attention to politicians or media “experts.” Though are we? In reality, energy is abundant in nature. All we have to do is figure out how to harness it sustainably. For instance, recent research is making it possible to harness wind energy, a source that is ubiquitous. Not only that, but some states are actively attempting to assist their residents in making money off of it.
Floating offshore wind turbines being developed by the University of Maine have the potential to provide more energy than 150 nuclear power reactors combined! Or consider Minnesota, where laws are being changed to promote the use of wind energy. As a result, there are already tax benefits and incentives for owning individual wind turbines.
But there is more than just wind! Another important, globally accessible source of renewable energy is hydropower. When constructing hydro, it is still crucial that every step of the process be as environmentally friendly as possible.
For instance, the Kárahnjkar Hydropower Plant was designed by the Icelandic government to supply all of the nation’s electricity needs. The initial years of the initiative were seen as being incredibly successful. Then, a problem emerged: the neighborhood was no longer the second-largest untouched wilderness in Europe because of adverse effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep in mind that “renewable” doesn’t always equate to “green.”
However, there is another method to significantly reduce the energy issue: by cutting back on the absurd amount of power that we waste each day. For instance, there are innumerable instances of energy-wasting transportation routes. Although oil tankers traveling on twisty roads may come to mind, meat is usually not what comes to mind.
That’s true, more than 70% of the energy used in the agriculture industry goes toward producing meat for human consumption. In actuality, raising a single kilogram of beef generates over 30 kilograms of CO2, consumes over 12 kilograms of grain, and needs several thousand liters of water.
A greener economy is undoubtedly desirable, but it won’t appear overnight. To achieve this goal of making our economy green, we will need rules and principles. The Hannover Principles serve as a guide for individuals or organizations wishing to support a green economy.
These principles, which were initially developed for the 2000 World’s Fair in Hannover, Germany, offer guidance for designers of all stripes on how to assist human wellbeing and the welfare of nature while also improving technology. The necessity to focus on the interconnectedness of the economic and nature is essential to the list. That’s because it’s always disheartening to see businesses prioritize their bottom line only to come up with solutions that are hardly better than the ones they started with.
The sixth principle, “remove the concept of waste,” is one of the most crucial, even if the principles cover many significant topics. This idea is important because it encourages individuals to look for ways to recycle virtually every byproduct on the planet.
In fact, the intentionality required to attain one’s goals can only be formed by adhering to principles that support a company’s values. Even the biggest firms must continually test their limits by enhancing their core values. They do this because they are aware that it is the only way to transform average results into extraordinary ones.
As an illustration, NASA constructed a space station that aimed to use 90% less fossil fuel than earlier stations. Because they were committed to doing what was best for the earth and the people, they set a lofty objective. And this resolve, along with specific plans and a dedication to fuel economy – they employed air for temperature regulation and water for cooling – truly paid off.
Therefore, it’s imperative that we take on difficult design difficulties head-on. It’s simple to make a compromise and just create something that’s somewhat better. However, the only way to make genuine progress is to maintain your ambition.
The future will see people living in harmony with nature, and environmental protection and a robust economy go hand in hand. That’s because environmentally friendly goods are actually more cost-effective. Humans may create an evolved environment that nourishes, rather than depletes, the natural world by thinking creatively and ecologically.
Take note of the environmental impact of your upcoming large purchase. A little research can help you determine how much your purchase will impact the environment, whether it’s a new jacket or a smartphone. Any number of factors, like CO2 emissions, energy use, or the toxic environments that business employees are exposed to, could have an impact on the environment.
Check out my related post: Do you live in a dog eat dog world?
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