10 innovations that will save the planet

We cannot help a world where climate change and natural disasters are increasing every year, but we are amazed at what can be done to help.

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, human activities have caused serious damage to the environment. Fossil fuels used for energy production emit greenhouse gases, which are the main cause of global warming and climate change.

Governments around the world have invested billions of dollars in researching innovative technologies that offer alternative energy sources. Scientists and inventors are working hard to develop ideas that can help protect the planet for future generations. Below is a list of these innovations.

10. LED bulbs

The LED lamp is a light emitting diode. This is a relatively new technology used in the production of light bulbs. LED bulbs represent the most energy efficient type of lighting, consuming about 10% of the energy used in conventional light bulbs (incandescent bulbs).

LED bulbs have a lifespan of over 30,000 hours in operation, an impressive figure compared to conventional bulbs of less than 8,000 hours.

9. Landfill gas

A landfill is a place where public waste is disposed of and sometimes disposed of. Due to the various chemical reactions that cause waste, landfills emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, mainly containing methane and carbon dioxide.

Experts studied the uses of these gases and came up with a way to use them to generate energy through combustion. The United States has invested heavily in the development of this new technology and has received 399 projects to use landfill gases for energy production.

8. Wind energy

Wind is another important source of clean energy with limitless potential. Because of its resilience, wind power is seen as a resource-efficient alternative to fossil fuels. Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind in a relatively small footprint and with minimal environmental impact.

More and more countries around the world have begun to use wind power, which now accounts for 4% of total energy production. In 2015, the European Union produced 44% from wind power.

7. Conversion of thermal energy of the ocean

Ocean thermal energy conversion is a process in which energy is produced due to differences in ocean water temperatures. Ocean thermal energy conversion is still in its early stages of development, but a lot of work is already underway with millions of dollars invested in research. Scientists in some countries, conducting pilot projects, see great potential in this technology.

Converting thermal energy from the ocean produces clean energy and many important by-products, including clean water for irrigation and domestic consumption. Japan is currently the only country in the world with an ocean thermal energy conversion facility on Kuma Island.

6. Better nuclear energy

Nuclear energy is one of the most important energy resources in the world. Developed countries have built several nuclear installations that generate energy through nuclear fusion, the key component of which is uranium. However, the resources of the ore from which uranium is mined are being depleted. The nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Japan forced scientists to look for alternative elements necessary for the nuclear fusion process.

Thorium, abundant in the earth's crust, has opened up new frontiers of nuclear energy, it produces less nuclear waste and is thus a better alternative, and thorium nuclear energy is seen as the future of nuclear power.

5. Fuel technologies

Fuel technology uses fuel cells to produce stable energy. A fuel cell uses chemical reactions to generate electricity and consists of two electrodes and an electrolyte. The use of fuel technology is an area considered by scientists as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The technology is commonly used in traditional car batteries, and experts are exploring ways to expand the technology's application.

4. Solar panels

Solar energy is one of the most important sources of stable energy, with unlimited potential. However, the technology used to develop solar cells limits the amount of energy that can be produced. Solar energy conversion technology has developed rapidly over the years and has been adopted by many countries around the world.

But the use of this technology is usually quite expensive compared to other energy resources. Therefore, researchers are tirelessly working to find a way to reduce the high cost as well as improve the energy efficiency of solar panels. Several of the technologies have been tested, including the use of pyrite in solar panels.

3. Fuel-efficient cars

In many advanced economies, vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. In the past, environmentalists have eloquently criticized automakers for calling for sustainable vehicles. More recently, this criticism has led to the production of fuel-efficient vehicles.

For many automakers in Europe, the United States and Japan, fuel consumption is one of the most important factors they look at before launching a vehicle on the market. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, these fuel-efficient cars must be made available to everyone.

2. Better cooling and heating system

Traditionally, temperature in buildings is controlled by air conditioners, many of which consume huge amounts of energy from non-renewable sources. Some air conditioners use fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, there are many other environmental alternatives that can be used as cooling and heating systems. The most popular of the alternatives is the use of solar energy where various systems are incorporated into the building infrastructure to convert sunlight into energy.

1. Thermal insulation in buildings

North America is known for its harsh winter climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Homes built in such harsh conditions use different types of insulation to protect the home from cold temperatures. Of the many thermal insulation systems in use, spray foam is one of the preferred options. Recently, however, experts are discontinuing the use of spray foam, as well as other conventional thermal insulation methods, and are looking for more environmentally friendly methods of insulation.

One of the simplest eco-friendly methods to save heat is using waste from the production of rough cotton fabrics, as well as cellulose, which is usually made from recycled paper. By using these new thermal insulation techniques, homeowners are helping to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills.