By Mashkoor Alam
Multiple solutions need to be put into play to resolve the climate crisis. Green technology, that encompasses innovations that reduce carbon emissions, conserve energy and minimize waste, is seen as a major game changer for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, mitigating environmental degradation and fostering sustainable development. Furthermore, it supports economic growth through the creation of green jobs and the development of new industries. Adoption of green technology is said to be essential for achieving global environmental targets and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations, making it a pivotal component of modern environmental strategies.
However we need to understand that Green Technology, in itself is no “silver bullet” – a simple and seemingly magical solution to a complicated problem – which the climate crises certainly is. A case in point is the “Seedhi Bijai” scheme by the Government of Punjab that promotes direct seeding of rice to conserve water and reduce labour costs. The scheme’s lofty aims of enhancing agricultural sustainability, is said to be hampered only by farmer adoption and effective implementation, challenges which are said to be addressed by ensuring adequate training and support to transition from traditional transplanting methods.
The problems is that the “Seedhi Bijai” scheme reduces the number of available work days for daily labourers and agricultural workers, which in a context where landlessness and caste oppression and bias is an unresolved issue, spells disaster for Dalit communities who are largely without land in the state. In this case a “Green Technology” is exacerbating the financial hardships of an already vulnerable community and class. How different then is the solution from the problem.
The short answer to the question of the relevance of “Green Technology” is that it has to be both socially and ecologically just. So while green technology holds transformative potential, we need to recognize that the climate crisis calls for not just technical fixes, but a resolution to a complex landscape of economic and socio-political issues. While prioritizing green technology and sustainable practices, we must not just look at corporate-led industry and economies, we need to look out for the interests of vulnerable communities and classes including Tribal communities, Dalits, fisherfolk, agricultural workers, informal workers including street vendors and construction workers.
The challenge is to make green technology provide significant benefits to these communities. Access to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy can transform their lives. For instance, solar panels can provide electricity to remote tribal villages, reducing reliance on harmful and polluting kerosene lamps. Wind energy can power coastal areas, benefiting fisherfolk by reducing energy costs and providing stable electricity for ice storage to preserve catches.
Climate-resilient agricultural practices, supported by green technology, can help safeguard the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. Techniques such as drip irrigation, organic farming, and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties can enhance productivity and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall patterns. Advanced water management technologies, including rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water recycling, are crucial for ensuring a reliable water supply for both drinking and agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
Tribal and indigenous communities have long been custodians of environmental stewardship, embodying practices and knowledge systems that align with sustainable living. Integrating their traditions into modern green technology initiatives can significantly enhance the environmental protection efforts. Indigenous methods, such as polyculture farming and traditional water management, promote biodiversity, soil health, and resource conservation. Combining these practices with modern technology can create resilient and adaptable systems, addressing environmental challenges holistically.
By valuing and incorporating indigenous knowledge into green technology, we can promote environmentally sustainable practices that are time-tested, culturally relevant, and ecologically sound. This integration respects cultural heritage, ensuring diverse approaches to sustainability. Embracing both innovation and indigenous wisdom fosters a comprehensive strategy for long-term environmental stewardship, balancing technological advancements with nature-centric traditions.
However, the transition to green technology is complex and costly, demanding substantial investments and global cooperation. Equitable implementation is crucial to ensure that developing nations are not left behind. Green technology, while often heralded as a crucial tool for combating climate change, also has its environmental impacts. For instance, the production and disposal of solar panels and batteries involve significant environmental challenges. Moreover, many green technologies are expensive to develop and implement, making them accessible primarily to wealthier nations and individuals. Therefore we need to create robust structures and processes of popular accountability for green technology projects to ensure that green technology is actually effective and does not amount to “green washing” – the practice of making deceptive claims regarding the environmental impact of a technology or process.
While green technology is necessary to protect our environment, its design and implementation must consider societal needs and environmental impact. The goal should be to reach the desires, needs, and comforts of society in a way that restricts the depletion of natural resources. By combining modern innovations with traditional knowledge, we can address environmental challenges effectively and ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all communities.
(The author is Mashkoor Alam, Project Head, North Central Cluster, ActionAid Association, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
