Cleantech Does Not Exist | David Casale | TEDxOxford

Summary

The speaker explores the evolution of technology, arguing that all technology has always been clean, green, smart, and sustainable. They emphasize that the true challenge is managing the byproducts of human existence, such as pollution, rather than the technology itself. Using historical examples, from caveman to modern times, the speaker discusses the need for improved efficiency, clean air, and clean energy. They predict that by 2200, humanity will achieve a cleaner future through technological advancements, population stabilization, and energy efficiency, offering hope for a sustainable and thriving future for life on Earth.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Technology changes everything and is inherently clean, smart, and sustainable, improving the efficiency of goods and services.
• 🌍 The focus should be on cleaning up the byproducts of human existence—solid, liquid, and waste pollution—especially air, water, and sanitation.
• 🐟 The environmental impact of decommissioning oil and gas pipelines in the North Sea revealed thriving marine life around protected pipelines, contrasting with declining fish populations in fishing areas.
• 🦖 The phrase 'Save the Planet' should focus on life on Earth, not the planet itself, as the Earth will persist regardless of human impact.
• 🧑‍🚀 The speaker envisions a clean, sustainable future by 2200, drawing a comparison between caveman technology and modern advancements like space travel.
• 👶 Global population growth is plateauing, with the UN estimating a stabilization at around 9 billion, which has significant implications for energy and resource needs.
• ⚡ Energy efficiency has improved drastically, exemplified by the UK's consistent electricity usage since 1995 despite increased demand and technological advancements.
• 🚰 The issue of sanitation remains a global challenge, despite progress in certain areas like the River Thames, which has been significantly cleaned up since the 19th century.
• 🌞 Emerging clean technologies, like solar power, offer scalable, low-cost energy solutions that can transform global energy consumption in the near future.
• 👨‍🔬 Future energy consumption could be 60% lower by 2200 if we continue improving energy efficiency and adopt sustainable technologies, offering a promising outlook for the environment.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on the term 'clean technology'?

The speaker suggests separating the concept of 'clean' from 'technology,' as all technology inherently improves efficiency and is often labeled as clean, green, smart, and sustainable. However, the real issue is cleaning up the byproducts of human existence, not just focusing on the technology itself.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of cleaning up byproducts of human existence?

The speaker emphasizes this because technology alone cannot solve the environmental impact caused by human activities. Issues like pollution, waste management, and sanitation must be addressed to create a truly clean and sustainable future.

What example does the speaker provide about the complexity of environmental issues?

The speaker mentions decommissioning oil and gas facilities in the North Sea. While pipelines were expected to harm the environment, it was found that areas around the pipelines, where fishing was restricted, allowed fish populations to thrive, highlighting the complexity of environmental interactions.

How does the speaker use the metaphor of crocodiles in the discussion?

The speaker compares humans to crocodiles, which have survived for 300 million years. The metaphor is used to emphasize that while the planet itself will survive, it's the future of life on Earth, particularly human life, that needs to be protected.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to 'caveman Dave' and 'spaceman Dave'?

The reference to 'caveman Dave' and 'spaceman Dave' illustrates the evolution of human energy use over time. The speaker uses this progression to show how energy needs and technologies have changed, and how future advancements might lead to a cleaner, more efficient world.

What is the speaker's view on population growth and its impact on the environment?

The speaker refers to Hans Rosling's talk on population growth, suggesting that the global population is expected to plateau at around 9 billion. This projection is important for engineers and environmental planners to consider when designing future sustainability solutions.

How does the speaker view technological progress in relation to environmental sustainability?

The speaker is optimistic about technological progress, noting that while humans make messes, they have historically found ways to clean them up. The speaker believes that modern technologies, particularly in energy efficiency and renewable energy, can play a significant role in achieving environmental sustainability.

What historical example does the speaker use to discuss sanitation challenges?

The speaker references 'chamberpot Dave' from the 1850s, describing how waste was disposed of in London by dumping it into the River Thames, leading to severe pollution. The example highlights how far sanitation has come, but also points out that similar challenges still exist in parts of the world today.

What does the speaker suggest about future energy consumption by 2200?

The speaker suggests that by 2200, global energy consumption could be about 60% lower than it is today, thanks to energy efficiency improvements and more sustainable technologies. This is seen as an achievable goal based on current technological advancements.

How does the speaker conclude their talk regarding the future of humanity and technology?

The speaker concludes optimistically, believing that humanity has come a long way and has the tools to build a cleaner future. They emphasize that we stand on the shoulders of technological giants, and there is hope for achieving a sustainable future.