What is ocean technology?
The importance of our oceans in the context of global sustainability has been well publicised in recent years. Not only do they store carbon and produce oxygen, but oceans also have essentially limitless potential for energy production, which can be used to power homes and businesses around the world. Consequently, there is now momentum regarding the protection of this valuable resource. Modern technological advancements are looking to capitalise on these opportunities, especially when considering the climate crisis is driving a change in consumer demands. ‘Green’ technology is being utilised to help clean up our oceans. Here, we explore how three different types of sustainable technologies are being used in our oceans, and how they could contribute to long-term sustainability goals.
Harnessing Electricity
Around 90% of the world’s exports are transported via sea. Though, whilst sea transportation may be crucial to the global economy, pollution from ships is negatively impacting the environment. In fact, it is estimated that each year, the global shipping industry emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2, which equates to over 2.5% of the world’s total emissions.
The International Maritime Organisation has set a target of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of ships by 50% by 2050. This will be achieved through the employment of several different sustainable technologies to make vessels more efficient, and by allowing ships to make better use of alternative fuels. There are already some zero-emission ships in operation, and it is hoped that they’ll become a more common feature of the industry in the not-too-distant future.
Sustainable Transportation
Around 90% of the world’s exports are transported via sea. Though, whilst sea transportation may be crucial to the global economy, pollution from ships is negatively impacting the environment. In fact, it is estimated that each year, the global shipping industry emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2, which equates to over 2.5% of the world’s total emissions. The International Maritime Organisation has set a target of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of ships by 50% by 2050. This will be achieved through the employment of several different sustainable technologies to make vessels more efficient, and by allowing ships to make better use of alternative fuels. There are already some zero-emission ships in operation, and it is hoped that they’ll become a more common feature of the industry in the not-too-distant future.
It is estimated that each year, the global shipping industry emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2
Managing Waste
It’s estimated that at least 14 million tonnes of plastic makes its way into the oceans every single year. Plastic pollution damages marine ecosystems and calls food safety into question, potentially harming human health also.
Initiatives like the Seabin Project are using sustainable technology to help limit the negative impacts of human interaction with our oceans. Currently being rolled out along America’s western coast, the project uses ‘seabins’ to suck in polluted waters and capture any debris within it as it passes through.
The waste is stored within the bin and is emptied once a month. There are currently 860 seabins in operation across the world, and it’s hoped that projects such as this will help to play a major role in the clean-up of our oceans and sustainability of the planet.
Learn more about our Marine Conservation efforts here
