The effects of climate change pose an existential threat to life on this planet. According to scientists at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), more than 3 billion people live in areas that are “highly vulnerable” to climate breakdown and half of the global population now experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. Around the world, governments and business leaders are urged to protect the planet from the impacts of climate change.
African countries are among some of the most vulnerable to the effects of a fast-changing climate. Delivering his national statement at the recent Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that we cannot lose momentum in the fight against climate change. He emphasised that climate action is key to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda and no developing country should be forced to choose between meeting its sustainable development goals and promoting climate resilience.
E-waste is a major contributor to the deteriorating condition of the planet with the UN estimating that 8kg of e-waste per person will be produced worldwide in 2023. This means 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste is discarded within a year. To help counteract this, tech giants across the world are investing millions into changing their relationship with the environment.
Jobin Joejoe, Deputy Managing Director at consumer electronics giant Sony says, “In response to the increasingly serious global climate change risks, we decided to bring our climate change targets forward by 10 years from 2050. That means we aim to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero through our entire value chain by 2040.”
Adapting to a changing world
Technology is one of the best defences we have against the coming climate crisis and many companies are realising this. By combining innovative technology with the continuous reduction of environmental impact at production sites, accelerated energy-saving mandates, the installation of solar power generation equipment, and the introduction of renewable energy, some world-leading tech companies are doing their part to attempt to avert disaster. Another way this is happening is through the development of innovative new materials like SORPLAS.
Developed by Sony, SORPLAS is a flame-resistant material made from used water bottles and waste optical discs collected from factories. SORPLAS does not degrade at the same rate as conventional materials, allowing it to be recycled several times without compromising its quality. This means SORPLAS can be used across the life cycles of multiple products making it the perfect fit for a circular economy. The material is used in a variety of Sony and external products including various products that add colour to our lives, durability, aesthetics, as well as providing solid durability. SORPLAS also has a beautiful surface appearance and can maintain its quality over long periods of use.
Leaving linear behind
For much of modern human history, humans have had an extractive relationship with the environment. This ended up creating linear economies where the goal was profitability at all costs. The result was that raw materials would be collected and transformed into products that consumers used and discarded, with no concern for their ecological footprint and consequences.
Jobin Joejoe says, “If we want to help avert and reverse our current climate outlook, we need to start converting to more circular economies that focus on reducing environmental impact.”
One of the key factors for creating circular economies is sustainable product development. Several major tech companies are now investing heavily in research and development to create products that are both innovative and environmentally friendly. This includes the use of recycled materials, eco-conscious manufacturing processes, and energy-efficient designs. For instance, Sony’s “Road to Zero” and “Green Management 2025” initiatives layout long- and short-term strategies to incorporate more circular strategies into their business model.
Where innovation and sustainability meet
Innovation is arguably the best weapon we have to fight climate change and the world’s evolving environmental needs. Not only does it help us reach our climate goals, but it also unlocks new technologies that can be used to better our future. One of those is Triporous, a groundbreaking new material that can turn rice husks into gold.
“Using rice husks, Triporous offers potential applications in a wide range of fields, such as water and air purification. It does this through a patented carbon microstructure that gives it three different pore sizes. We are confident that Triporous will lead to technological breakthroughs in various areas including textiles, bringing us closer to a recycling-oriented society,” explains Jobin Joejoe from Sony, the company responsible for developing the material.
Tech industry leaders are stepping up to the plate, recognising their role in combating climate change and contributing to a circular economy. This transformation has been fuelled by a multifaceted approach that encompasses sustainable product development, waste reduction, and responsible disposal. As these efforts continue to gain momentum, the prospect of a greener, more sustainable future becomes increasingly attainable. With enough commitment, we can ensure that the world we leave to our grandchildren is habitable, and impressively, tech companies are showing us how that may be possible.