Technology's Dark Side: Air Pollution's Technological Causes

Technology has had a significant impact on air pollution, and its role is complex. On the one hand, technological advancements have contributed to the problem of air pollution, particularly through the production and obsolescence of electronic devices, the development of powerful infrastructures, and the associated extraction of natural resources. On the other hand, technology is also being harnessed to combat air pollution and protect the environment. Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and data collection are being utilised to accelerate climate action, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve air quality management. While technology has been a contributing factor to air pollution, it is also a critical tool in mitigating its effects and working towards a more sustainable future.

The production of electronic devices and e-waste

The production of electronic devices and the resulting e-waste are significant contributors to air pollution. The manufacturing of electronic devices is a power-intensive process that requires the extraction of rare earth metals and complex production processes that generate significant emissions. The energy needed to produce a single microchip, for example, exceeds the average energy consumed by a computer during three years of use.

The environmental impact of electronic devices extends beyond the production phase. The constant demand for newer models and the short lifespans of products due to planned obsolescence contribute to a surge in e-waste. This unsustainable cycle accelerates the climate crisis, as the disposal of electronic waste releases toxic chemicals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can seep into the soil and water, causing harm to ecosystems and human health.

E-waste burning, a common practice in informal recycling sectors, has been identified as a significant contributor to air pollution. Studies have shown that areas near e-waste burning sites have higher concentrations of heavy metals in the air, leading to increased exposure for residents. The toxins released from e-waste burning can reach up to 50 km from the waste site, affecting a wide area.

The problem of e-waste is not just limited to the environmental impact but also includes the exploitation of scarce natural resources and the potential to fuel armed conflicts due to the trade in minerals. The production and disposal of electronic devices have a "heavy environmental rucksack," with the resources required to produce them far exceeding their actual weight. For instance, the production of a single smartphone requires 44.4 kg of natural resources, while a computer demands around one tonne.

To mitigate the environmental impact of electronic devices, consumers can make intentional choices to minimize waste, such as opting for refurbished or second-hand devices, which help extend the lifespan of existing products and reduce the need for new manufacturing.

The energy needed to power technology

Energy is required to power technology, and the generation of this energy can cause air pollution. Fossil fuels are the predominant source of energy for powering technology, and their combustion releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide, mercury, and fine particulate matter. NOx emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which, along with fine particles, can have severe health impacts, including heart and lung disease, asthma, stroke, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Power plants burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are the most significant contributors to carbon pollution and climate change. They emit carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, as well as methane, another greenhouse gas that contributes to rising temperatures and adverse health effects. Additionally, the extraction and transportation of these fuels can also lead to emissions and harm the health of workers and communities involved in these processes.

Nuclear power, on the other hand, has been recognized as a source of low-carbon and low-air pollution electricity. Nuclear power plants emit virtually no air pollutants during their operation, and nuclear technology can be used to monitor and combat air pollution. Radiation technology, for example, can be employed to clean up air pollution and meet regulatory requirements.

While clean energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power offer "zero-emission" alternatives, fossil fuel-fired power plants still dominate the energy landscape and contribute significantly to air pollution. The transition to cleaner energy sources is crucial for improving air quality and protecting public health.

The use of new technology in transport

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to air pollution, with private vehicles, global shipping, and aviation all posing their own set of emission challenges. To address this issue, new technologies and sustainable practices in transportation are being adopted to improve air quality and mitigate climate change.

One effective solution is the increasing adoption of low-emission and electric vehicles (EVs). Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, resulting in no direct contribution to CO₂, NOₓ, or particulate matter. Improvements in battery technology and the growing availability of charging stations have made EVs more accessible and affordable. Governments are also implementing policies and incentives to encourage the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, helping to create a cleaner and more sustainable transportation sector.

Hybrid vehicles offer a middle ground by combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. They are particularly advantageous in regions where the charging infrastructure for fully electric vehicles is still limited. Additionally, promoting the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing overall emissions.

Advancements in emission control technologies have also played a crucial role in reducing pollution from transportation. The automotive catalytic converter, for instance, is considered one of the greatest environmental inventions. Modern automotive technologies, such as computers, fuel injection, and on-board diagnostics, have been adopted as a direct result of emissions standards. These innovations not only reduce emissions but also help control costs associated with pollution control.

Smart technology and air quality monitoring solutions are also being utilized to address the challenges posed by air pollution. These technologies provide comprehensive data and insights on air quality, enabling local governments and businesses to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to mitigate the impact of transport-related emissions on the environment and human health.

Data collection and research

One of the key challenges in data collection is the cost and technical complexity of handling the necessary tools and technologies. This is especially true in regions with limited resources, such as Africa, where the barrier to entry for data and tools has been high. However, innovations in air quality technology have helped to democratize access to data by making it more accessible, usable, and actionable. For example, the development of low-cost, lightweight, and wearable air quality sensors has enabled people to record and understand the pollution levels in their daily lives. These sensors provide hyperlocal, high-frequency, and accurate information that can be used for effective air quality management, especially in densely populated areas with complex pollution sources.

AI and machine learning are also playing a crucial role in data collection and research on air pollution. AI can be used to predict when and where pollution levels are likely to exceed legal limits, enabling proactive measures to be put in place. For instance, scientists in Barcelona have developed an AI model that uses machine learning to forecast the likelihood of urban areas breaching legal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits. Additionally, AI can help minimize errors in research and extend data coverage to areas that were previously excluded from data collection efforts.

Digital technologies and data platforms are also being leveraged by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to accelerate climate action and pollution prevention. UNEP's GEMS Air program, in partnership with Swiss technology company IQAir, is the largest air pollution network in the world, covering 5,000 cities. The program provides real-time data on air quality risks to millions of users and aims to integrate this capability into mobile phone health applications in the future. By harnessing the power of cloud computing, earth observation, and artificial intelligence, UNEP and its partners are showcasing how digital technologies can drive environmental sustainability, climate action, and pollution prevention.

Technology in waste management

Technology has played a significant role in waste management, which is crucial for beating air pollution. Over 99% of the world's population is exposed to polluted air, and annually, 6.7 million deaths are associated with it, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Waste disposal significantly contributes to air pollution, and improper waste management practices, such as open dumping and burning, release harmful substances into the air.

To address this issue, the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) International Environment Technology Centre (IETC) is working with governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to improve waste management practices. They are helping these countries develop better waste management plans to prevent waste from ending up in places that can pollute the air, such as open dumps and burning sites. Additionally, they are assisting local waste teams in improving their waste-handling techniques to promote cleaner cities and the circularity of waste as a resource.

Smart technology has also emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against air pollution. For instance, the US Clean Air Act has successfully cut pollution while the US economy has grown over the last 45 years. The Act has prompted the deployment of clean technologies and has driven innovation in emission reduction and cost control. As a result, there has been a dramatic improvement in the quality of the air that Americans breathe. The EPA has also taken steps to limit emissions that cause climate change and ocean acidification, requiring significant reductions in emissions from new motor vehicles and non-road engines through the use of cleaner engine technologies and fuels.

Furthermore, companies can utilize technology to reduce waste and improve waste management. They can employ technology to design products with less packaging, easier recyclability, and support regulations for improved waste management. Governments also have a crucial role in establishing strong regulations to prevent dumping and burning and investing in better waste handling methods, such as modern pollution control technology in new plants and factories.

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