Population growth, pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and various other human activities all have an impact on the environment. So, along comes the notion of green technology. Green technology refers to the application of science and technology to create environmentally friendly products and services, ultimately reducing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. As Wendell Berry once stated, “The earth is what we all have in common,” so it’s necessary that we take care of our shared home.
The significance of nature in Nepali tradition
In the modern world, we often take our culture and traditions for granted. However, if we look back in time, we were very scientific and nature-loving people. According to our ancient texts, all matter is made up of Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Air (Vayu), Space (Akash), and Fire (Agni). Worshipping those five basic elements and living in harmony with them demonstrates our appreciation for nature. Since time immemorial, we Nepalis have worshipped the Peepal (Sacred Fig) tree and the Tulasi (Holy Basil) plant.
It is still common for people to offer water to the Sun in the morning. Festivals such as Tihar and Chhath, which honour crows, dogs, cows, and the Sun, highlight our connection to nature. Nag Panchami is another festival dedicated to the worship of snakes. Worshipping rivers and performing Bhoomi Puja/ Jag Puja before construction demonstrates our awareness of the value of water and land. Sakela Puja is also a “Bhumi” prayer to the land for healthy crops that is well-known in Kirati tradition. We have been using leaf plates in various forms such as Duna and Tapari, which are now becoming acknowledged as eco-friendly plates in the West.
Nepal’s Initial Steps Towards Green Technology
The history of technological advances in Nepal is not a straight line. It grows in fits and starts, occasionally becoming lost and forgotten. Nepal followed the right initiatives, with electric trolleybuses functioning in Kathmandu as early as 1975 AD. These buses had a low negative environmental impact. Safa Tempos began in the mid-1990s and operated using acid batteries. We once had a thriving public electric vehicle industry that is now nearly extinct. Pharping Hydropower was established in 1911 AD, ranking second in South Asia. Today, hydropower is Nepal’s sole thriving clean energy sector.
Several Examples of Green Technology
Waste management and wastewater treatment are both very popular green technologies. In Nepal, recycling garbage and reducing landfills are essential. Even though wastewater treatment is frequently employed, a greater capacity is needed in our nation. Of all the green technologies, electric transportation is arguably the most well-known. In Nepal, electric buses, scooters, and cars are becoming more and more common. Vertical farming is also gaining popularity in Nepal. Crops grown vertically in stacked layers conserve resources and area.
Although energy-efficient buildings and low-carbon construction are relatively new ideas in our nation, they are gaining popularity these days. Currently, solar panels and LED lighting are widely used. Nepal has a huge potential for solar energy. Our nation has 100 times more solar resources than water resources. This must be cracked shortly. It is necessary to establish commercial solar power plants in this nation.
Green Innovations around the world
Globally, there have been some astounding green innovations and ramifications. PepsiCo has revealed that, in collaboration with Vytal Global, it will be utilising smart reusable cups. Plant-based packaging is another amazing concept.
Greenhouse gas emissions are greatly decreased when environmentally appropriate packing materials are used. When it comes to addressing CO2 emissions from industries, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is helpful.
In the USA alone, 22 million metric tons of CO2 are captured annually. Another emission-free power source is a fuel cell. In the next years, fuel cells are anticipated to substitute conventional batteries. Heat and water are the only wastes released by hydrogen fuel cells. Another novel concept is the production of energy from human footsteps. Public parks, bus terminals, train stations, and other locations may run on power produced by foot traffic.
The need of the hour
There’s a concerning increase in air pollution in Nepal. We must exercise caution since the quality of the air is becoming worse with every breath and pollution levels are higher than recommended by the WHO. We shall employ technology to reduce our environmental effects and work towards zero emissions.
There must be a swift solution to the climatic catastrophe brought on by humans. Nepal must encourage community involvement in the fight for a greener world; in the end, the government must take this issue seriously and bring together businesses and scholars. Green technologies decrease pollution and preserve the planet. For our continued existence, we must protect this planet, which is our home.
