Currently, we can notice a rapidly progressive deterioration of the state of the environment. Pollution, climate changes or harmful human activity contribute to an increase in number of endangered species. There are millions species of animals and plants that are threatened with extinction, and it is estimated that thousands of them may completely disappear within a few decades. They play a very essential role for the environment-they are part of a food chain that keep ecosystems healthy. As the number of endangered species increases, there is a high risk of ecosystem imbalance that can have critical consequences for our planet.
In spite of the fact that technology in many cases contributes to the extinction of species , it also can be used to prevent this tragedy and protect the environment. With the development of technology, we have more and more opportunities to create tools that can be part of saving the animal kingdom.
Wildlife tracking satellites
Satellites that are able to track wild animals over a vast area are an example of the positive use of technology for environment. They can not only track the location of animals, but also observe their life and analyze their behaviors. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence it’s possible to recognize and count visible animals with amazing accuracy.
This solution is used to track elephants in Africa, whose population is constantly declining.
Drones to plant trees
Another technological solution that protect the natural environment and organisms is using drones to plant trees. Currently, our planet is experiencing rapidly increasing deforestation, which can lead to dire consequences such as destruction of animals habitats shelters or changes in climatic conditions, and thus a threat to many animals and plants. Thanks to the drones that disperse seeds from the air, planting new trees is quick and much more effective than human-made planting.
‘Jellyfish’ robot to protect coral reefs
Coral reefs, which are structures made up of small organisms called polyps, are the basis of many ecosystems and have a significant impact on the biodiversity of marine organisms. Although they occupy less than 0.5% of the ocean floor, they enable the life of about 25% of the fish. Unfortunately, the condition of coral reefs on Earth is in serious trouble due to the harmful activity of humans – the reefs begin to lose their ability to regenerate, which causes the threat and loss of many species.
In order to protect coral reefs and closely observe endangered species, scientists have created a ‘jellyfish’ robot inspired by shape and movements of these delicate creatures. Thanks to its soft surface and amazing performance ,the robot is able to safely explore and work (e.g. apply repair substances) near coral reefs without risk of damaging them.
The technology is developing very fast and many other solutions may be implemented in the future. Will it help to save our planet or maybe it will contribute to its destruction? There is no simple answer to this question.
Sources:
From Livestock to Pets, Technology is Improving the Lives of Animals (interestingengineering.com)
Why should we save endangered species? | GVI
5 Genius Tech Innovations Being Used Right Now to Protect Wildlife & the Planet (globalcitizen.org)
Deforestacja – definicja, przyczyny i skutki, przykłady (eszkola.pl)
Robot ‘jellyfish’ to protect endangered coral reefs (phys.org)