Answer: Importance and Factors Affecting Green Technologies
Green Technology (also called environmental technology or clean technology) refers to the application of environmental science and technology to develop products, services, and processes that protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and reduce pollution. It aims to minimize the negative environmental impact of human activities.
1. Combating Climate Change
- Global temperatures have risen 1.1°C since pre-industrial times
- CO2 levels at 420+ ppm (highest in 800,000 years)
- Green tech reduces greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, efficiency
- Essential for meeting Paris Agreement targets (limit warming to 1.5-2°C)
- India committed to Net-Zero by 2070
2. Reducing Air Pollution
- Air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths annually (WHO)
- Indian cities among world's most polluted (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata)
- Clean technologies reduce particulates, SOx, NOx emissions
- Electric vehicles, clean cooking fuels improve urban air quality
3. Energy Security
- India imports 85% of oil and 50% of gas
- Renewable energy from domestic resources (solar, wind) reduces import dependence
- Decentralized generation improves energy access
- Reduces vulnerability to geopolitical supply disruptions
4. Resource Conservation
- Fossil fuels are finite - will deplete in decades
- Water scarcity affecting 2 billion people globally
- Green tech promotes efficient resource use, recycling
- Circular economy reduces waste and virgin material extraction
5. Economic Benefits
- Job creation: Renewable energy sector employs millions globally
- Cost savings: Solar/wind now cheaper than coal in many regions
- New industries: EVs, batteries, green hydrogen creating economic opportunities
- Reduced externalities: Lower healthcare costs from pollution
6. Sustainable Development
- Meets present needs without compromising future generations
- Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Balances economic growth with environmental protection
- Promotes intergenerational equity
7. Regulatory Compliance
- Stricter environmental regulations worldwide
- Carbon pricing mechanisms emerging (EU ETS)
- Green tech helps industries comply with emission norms
- Avoids penalties and reputational damage
1. Economic Factors
- Cost Competitiveness: Green tech adoption increases when costs fall below conventional alternatives
- Capital Availability: Access to finance for green projects (green bonds, climate funds)
- Payback Period: Shorter payback periods encourage adoption
- Operating Costs: Lower fuel/maintenance costs favor green technologies
- Externalities: When pollution costs are internalized (carbon tax), green tech becomes more attractive
2. Policy and Regulatory Factors
- Government Subsidies: Financial incentives (FAME II for EVs, solar subsidies)
- Mandates: Renewable Purchase Obligations, emission standards
- Carbon Pricing: Tax or trading making emissions costly
- Building Codes: Energy efficiency requirements (ECBC)
- International Agreements: Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol commitments
3. Technological Factors
- Research & Development: Innovation improving efficiency, reducing costs
- Technology Maturity: Proven, reliable technologies adopted faster
- Infrastructure: Availability of grid, charging stations, storage
- Integration: Compatibility with existing systems
- Performance: Efficiency, reliability, durability
4. Social and Cultural Factors
- Awareness: Public understanding of environmental issues
- Consumer Preferences: Demand for sustainable products
- Behavioral Change: Willingness to adopt new practices
- Social Acceptance: Community support for projects (NIMBY issues)
- Education: Training in green technologies
5. Environmental Factors
- Resource Availability: Solar irradiance, wind speeds, water resources
- Geographic Conditions: Land availability, terrain, climate
- Environmental Impact: Lifecycle emissions, land use, waste
- Climate Urgency: Increasing extreme events driving action
6. Market Factors
- Industry Competition: Growing clean tech market driving innovation
- Supply Chain: Availability of components, raw materials
- Scale Economies: Mass production reducing costs
- Corporate Commitments: ESG goals, RE100 pledges
Key Success Factors: Policy support + Falling costs + Technology improvements + Consumer awareness + Infrastructure development = Rapid green technology adoption
Conclusion
Green technology is critically important today for combating climate change, reducing pollution, ensuring energy security, conserving resources, and achieving sustainable development. Multiple factors affect its adoption including economic viability, policy support, technological maturity, social acceptance, environmental conditions, and market dynamics. Success requires addressing all these factors holistically. India's green technology push through solar mission, EV policy, and efficiency programs demonstrates the multi-pronged approach needed. As costs continue to fall and urgency increases, green technology adoption will accelerate, transforming energy, transport, and industrial systems globally.
Sources: Module 1, 2, 3 Notes | IPCC | IEA | MNRE