How the Internet of Things Can Save Our Environment in 2024

It’s no surprise that Technology can be used for Good (Tech4Good). In this article, we’ll present 3 ways of how Tech can help save our environment.

A fact that can be accepted by most individuals is that the advent of technology simplifies the tasks we normally perform. Technology has impacted different aspects of our lives including food, water, shelter, transport, and health. For example, instant communication has been facilitated and the lengthy amount of time used in transit can be significantly reduced.

One of the major ways environmental issues are being dealt with is the utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT). Despite being powerful, this kind of technology is highly vulnerable to hacking and can only be thoroughly protected if the traffic is properly encrypted. When secured, IoT technology goes a long way towards building a more sustainable future. Employing robust IoT consulting services ensures the protection of IoT traffic, making it a key step towards fostering a sustainable future

Here are 3 ways of how the Internet of Things can save our environment:

1. GPS System to rescue endangered animals

Different technology is utilized in regions of the world containing endangered species like gorillas, orangutans, and tigers. The animals have collars placed on them to help detect their activities and movement. An audio system is also employed where the noises the animals make are monitored. This helps operators determine if the animal is in danger from higher animals or has been hurt.

Collars are also placed on animals that have habitats near to human communities. The collars fitted with GPS systems help track the movement of the animals to ensure they don’t accidentally have encounters with humans.

2. Blockchain to put an end to illegal fishing

The journey of tuna fish from ocean to factory would be monitored using blockchain, the primary technology behind cryptocurrencies. ConsenSys, a company in the blockchain industry, has collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to develop a framework for this purpose. Essentially, this system would serve to prevent illegal and unregulated fishing.

It utilizes a series of technological tools and devices such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and quick response (QR) code tags to pool information on the journey of the tuna fish. Information on the tuna fish starts as soon as the fish is caught. An RFID tag would be placed on the fish to consistently give out data to the private blockchain on which ConsenSys is built. This tracking with the use of a QR code continues until the fish is received by a consumer.

3. Surveillance technology to prevent illegal fishing activities

Sentient Vision Systems, a tech firm, has built up a form of surveillance called ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging). The ViDAR framework makes use of a visual observance system that can capture a very wide portion of the ocean at a time. The system works by integration on different types of aircraft and can detect alien objects on the ocean even from very high distances up in the atmosphere.

ViDAR can be integrated on varying aircraft such as helicopters, manned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft. This basically puts ViDAR ahead of other ocean surveillance technologies by 80 times, owing to the ever-constant observation of the ocean. Objects on the sea as small as fishing boats would even be able to be detected, thus preventing illegal fishing.

It has been proven through several series of actions and developments that technology can serve as a tool in saving the environment. Technology which has improved several sectors of human life today can be utilized in the form of surveillance to put an end to illegal fishing, the use of QR code and RFID tags to further prevent illegal fishing, and collars to save our wildlife.

FAQ

How does the Internet of Things (IoT) contribute to environmental sustainability?
IoT contributes to sustainability by enabling more efficient resource use, monitoring environmental conditions, and improving data collection for environmental management.

Can IoT devices help reduce energy consumption?
Yes, IoT devices can optimize energy use in homes and businesses by automating systems like lighting and heating, leading to significant energy savings.

How is IoT used in water conservation?
IoT technology is used in water conservation through smart irrigation systems, leak detection sensors, and efficient water management in industrial processes.

What role do IoT sensors play in pollution monitoring?
IoT sensors play a critical role in real-time monitoring of air and water quality, helping identify pollution sources and enabling prompt action to mitigate environmental impacts.

Can IoT help in waste management and reduction?
IoT can aid in waste management by optimizing collection routes, monitoring waste levels in bins, and facilitating recycling processes through smart sorting systems.

How does IoT support sustainable agriculture?
IoT supports sustainable agriculture by providing farmers with data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health, enabling more precise and efficient farming practices.

What are the benefits of smart grids in environmental conservation?
Smart grids, enabled by IoT, improve energy efficiency, reduce wastage, and support the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to environmental conservation.

Can IoT be used in tracking and protecting wildlife?
Yes, IoT devices like GPS trackers can monitor wildlife movements, study their behaviors, and help implement measures to protect endangered species and their habitats.

How does IoT contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
IoT helps reduce emissions by optimizing energy use in buildings and transportation, improving industrial processes, and supporting the use of renewable energy sources.

What challenges exist in implementing IoT solutions for environmental purposes?
Challenges include the need for significant investment, concerns about data privacy and security, and ensuring the IoT devices themselves are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

How can IoT technology assist in reducing carbon footprints in urban areas?
IoT can assist by optimizing traffic flow, enhancing public transportation systems, and managing energy use in buildings, thereby reducing overall carbon emissions in urban settings.

What is the role of IoT in renewable energy management?
IoT plays a crucial role in renewable energy management by monitoring and optimizing the performance of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.

How can IoT devices help in monitoring and protecting ocean health?
IoT devices can track ocean conditions, monitor marine life, and detect pollutants, contributing to efforts in marine conservation and pollution control.

Can IoT solutions improve air quality in cities?
Yes, IoT solutions can monitor air quality in real-time, provide data for policy-making, and control pollution sources, contributing to improved air quality in urban areas.

How does IoT contribute to energy-efficient building design?
IoT contributes by enabling smart building systems that automatically adjust lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and environmental conditions.

What are the applications of IoT in sustainable transportation?
IoT applications in transportation include optimizing route planning, enhancing vehicle maintenance for fuel efficiency, and supporting the development of smart, connected electric vehicles.

Can IoT technologies help in disaster prevention and response related to environmental hazards?
IoT can provide early warning systems for natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, and assist in coordinating efficient response efforts, minimizing environmental impacts.

How does IoT facilitate the development of smart cities and what are its environmental benefits?
In smart cities, IoT facilitates efficient resource management, reduces waste, improves energy and water use, and enhances the overall sustainability of urban environments.

What are the best practices for ensuring IoT devices themselves are environmentally friendly?
Best practices include using sustainable materials, ensuring energy efficiency, designing for longevity and recyclability, and minimizing electronic waste in IoT device production.

How can individuals contribute to environmental sustainability through IoT in their daily lives?
Individuals can use IoT-enabled devices for monitoring and reducing their energy and water usage, engaging in smart waste management, and adopting smart home technologies that promote sustainability.

How can IoT help in reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment?
IoT can optimize the use of resources in agriculture, such as water and fertilizers, through precision farming techniques, reducing environmental impact.

What are the environmental advantages of IoT in supply chain management?
In supply chain management, IoT can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, optimize routes, and minimize the carbon footprint of transportation and logistics.

How does IoT contribute to energy conservation in industrial settings?
IoT devices can monitor and manage energy consumption in real-time, identify inefficiencies, and automate processes to conserve energy in industrial environments.

Can IoT devices be used for environmental education and awareness?
Yes, IoT devices can collect and present environmental data in an accessible way, fostering education and awareness about sustainability issues among the public.

What role does IoT play in smart waste management in cities?
IoT aids in smart waste management by optimizing collection schedules, monitoring waste levels, and improving recycling processes, thereby reducing the environmental impact of urban waste.

How can IoT technology aid in water quality monitoring?
IoT sensors can continuously monitor water quality parameters like pH, temperature, and contaminants, providing data essential for maintaining and improving water quality.

What are the challenges in ensuring the eco-friendliness of IoT devices?
Challenges include reducing the energy consumption of devices, managing electronic waste, and ensuring that the production process of IoT devices is sustainable.

How does IoT support the integration of smart grids with renewable energy?
IoT enables better control and integration of renewable energy sources into smart grids, balancing supply and demand, and improving energy efficiency.

Can IoT be used to monitor and reduce noise pollution in urban areas?
IoT devices can monitor noise levels in real-time, helping to identify sources of noise pollution and aid in the development of strategies to reduce it.

What future innovations in IoT are expected to further benefit environmental conservation?
Future innovations may include advanced sensors for more accurate environmental monitoring, enhanced data analytics for sustainability, and greater integration of IoT with AI for predictive environmental management.