As the world feels the effect of climate change, from record temperatures to many animals becoming extinct, an eco-friendly future which reduces our reliance on fossil fuels has never been more paramount.
A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warned of a potential tipping point known as a hothouse earth, with climate change becoming an existential threat to humanity and places on Earth becoming uninhabitable.
To help combat this a suite of leading green technologies have been developed, from high-tech solar power to smog-eating buildings.
Here we take a look at some of the most exciting leading green technologies of the future that are changing the environment for the better.
Leading green technologies
Solar power
Solar power may not be “new” but the solar industry is ever evolving, constantly coming up with new and innovative ways in which to harness the power of the sun. One of the latest developments is floatovoltaics, solar panels especially designed to float on water. These innovative solar panels can generate huge amounts of green energy, without taking up precious space on land. Furthermore, solar energy has become considerably cheaper over the years making it within reach of more and more people, while also being more efficient than ever before. This leading green technology offers a truly renewable energy source, helping to reduce or completely eliminate dependency on sourcing electricity through traditional methods.
Solar roof tiles
This leading green technology utilises small photovoltaic modules that are designed to resemble regular roofing. A major benefit of solar roof tiles over traditional solar panels is the aesthetics. While solar panels can look unsightly, solar roof tiles are undetectable. Tesla is one company leading the charge in the development of this innovative green technology.
Living buildings
An increasing number of developers are making use of every square inch of space for greenery, from spectacular gardens on rooftops to ones that are vertical. Not only do these living buildings look beautiful, but they also boast numerous green credentials too, including reducing the buildings carbon footprint by filtering carbon dioxide and pollutants out of the air.
Wind power
Harnessing the power of the wind is nothing new, but today’s leading green technologies take it up a notch. Cost-effective, this clean source of energy utilises state-of-the-art wind turbines to generate electricity. A major draw-back however is that traditional turbines can look unsightly, are expensive, noisy, and their output fluctuates depending on weather patterns. However, in the ever changing world of green energy, new turbines are being developed that are designed to combat these drawbacks, including offering an attractive sculpture-like design, such as the tree-like wind turbines made by New World Wind.
Smog-eating buildings
According to the World Health Organisation air pollution is a leading cause of death, killing some 4.2 million per year across the world. Now, leading green technology can help buildings to improve air quality and clean-up smoggy urban air. This air-scrubbing technology is made possible by state-of-the-art tiles that are coated with titanium dioxide. When activated by sunlight, these tiles convert harmful oxides into cleaner air, helping to create a healthier environment for all.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are set to become the norm in the next few decades as the latest leading green technologies make them more efficient and cheaper than ever before. Indeed, the UK government recently announced that a ban on selling new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars will likely take effect in 2035 as the country aims to reach its target of emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050. And, many other countries are looking to follow suit.
Ecodistricts
As the world seeks to become greener, developers are taking note too. Some of the world’s most forward-thinking developments are now designed to be eco-friendly. Take for example the spectacular new development Portier Cove in Monaco. The principality’s first eco-development, Portier Cove will boast a raft of leading green technologies, setting a new benchmark for sustainability.
There’s no doubt that the world’s leading green technologies will shape the way we live in the future, creating a cleaner and more sustainable Earth for all.
