Technology for Sustainability

The wise use of technology is necessary to sustain human populations and preferred levels of affluence into the distant future. Renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and biomass, are particularly sustainable, although some may have negative ecological impacts. Energy-efficiency technologies, such as compact florescent lights, and systems of these technologies, such as green buildings, have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, which would have major environmental benefits. Other sustainable technologies deal with water conservation, recycling, and the reuse of materials and products. Sustainable technologies on the horizon include hydrogen fuel cells and the hydrogen economy, various approaches to fusion energy, and nanotechnology.