A natural disaster can end earth life at any moment. Volcanoes, asteroids, atmospheric failure or any number of galactic events could wipe us all out in the blink of an eye. There’s nothing we can do about it.

Let’s focus on the one thing we can do something about. Unless we act now against global warming, we’re doomed by 2035.

Green technology is no longer a nice-to-have option, it’s a matter of life and death.

Here are some of the latest innovations that could save us all.

1. Getting Greener

Living breathing plants are very efficient at cooling the atmosphere. Plants help to maintain optimum temperatures, oxygen, and water levels in Earth’s fragile atmosphere.

Planting greenery, developing living buildings and practicing vertical farming that limits the use of carbon-emitting farm vehicles are all good options.

Plants naturally absorb CO2 from that atmosphere and turn it into a protective substance called suberin. In the process, they release oxygen. More suberin means more oxygen.

The Salk Institute of Biological Studies in San Diego has now found a way to encourage plants to up their suberin production. This process can boost oxygen production at a rate of 20 times the norm in plants.

2. The Latest Solar Innovations

Solar power is one of the easiest ways to embrace sustainable living.

The newest green technology in the field of solar aims to be user-friendly, affordable and easily available.

While many of these still need some fine tuning, this is what you can expect to see on the shelves soon.

• Self-cleaning solar panels
• Solar roof tiles and building materials
• Solar flowers that track the path of the sun
• Floating solar panels

Don’t waste time waiting for future green technology though, excellent options are already available.

Solar panels are easy to install and can last a lifetime. If you want to know what you stand to gain from solar power, read more here.

3. Green Technology on the Road

Electric cars are fast becoming a part of daily life. However, in Georgia, they’ve taken eco-friendly driving to the next level.

‘The Ray’ is a regenerative highway system called The Ray which will take up 18 miles of road along the I-85 near Atlanta. This stretch of road plans will have zero impact on its surroundings.

In fact, it will contribute to sustainability. Solar panels will adorn the shoulder and on the barriers of the highway, helping to generate energy for nearby areas. The route features a 7,000 square-foot pollinator garden and plantings of sustainable crops that retain water and manage carbon.

4. Walking Towards a Greener Future

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, engineers have designed floorboards that generate electricity from foot traffic.

Made from sustainable wood pulp, with embedded nanofibres, this flooring can generate enough power to run all the electrical appliances in an average household.

It’s an excellent option for busy offices, malls, and other high traffic areas.

You Benefit Too

Getting on the green bandwagon should be right at the top of your to-do list. Not only can greener technologies help to save the planet, but they can also make your life easier.

It takes a little getting used to but you’ll soon see the benefits of sustainable living. Make the change today.