What role does technology play in solving sustainability problems?
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We support farmers producing planet-positive products, and technology has an important role to play in that respect. For example, farmers need to generate more income to be successful. Given the existing mechanisms in which producers can be compensated for using sustainable practices, how can we allow them more avenues to generate income from it? Technology is at the center of all those efforts.
Technology can connect farmers to marketplaces to sell products, but it can also provide integration with financial institutions so they can be eligible for low-interest or no-interest loans. Or it could be integrated with government programs, so farmers can qualify for grants or subsidies. Perhaps it could even integrate with other things that help the product gain marketing, like certifications. Another possibility is that the farmers could be eligible for environmental marketplaces and start earning income from carbon credits, renewable energy credits or water conservation credits. In terms of standardization of technology, agriculture has a long way to go compared to the other industries I’m familiar with, but there is a clear trajectory of improvement.
Technology is an enabler to solve a problem. The problem should be articulated in a way that that is the root and not a symptom. The outcome, or value, can be realized as a holistic solution. In the case of cities, technology can be leveraged for utility (energy, water, transportaion) utilization to right size the resources with a sustainability impact. Technology can turn garbage in to pallets to eliminate landfill. Technology can educate on sustainable practices. The application of technology in the role of sustainability is endless… first the problem, then a holistic & novel solution!