We are living at a critical time, both for humanity and the whole planet.

The need to
protect and to seek more sustainable formulas for interacting with the environment,
became clear at the COP21 climate change conference. The meeting, held in Paris in
December 2015, confirmed the importance of fighting against global warming, an effort
in which technology and the so-called circular economy will play a key role.

In addition to improving the efficiency of linear production processes, the circular

economy aims to reuse elements that are traditionally considered waste. The goal of this
sustainable development strategy is to produce goods and services while reducing raw
materials, water and energy consumption and waste. One aspect is the bioeconomy, in
which either living organisms or their parts are used to help the environment – which can
contribute to our growth. According to European Union calculations, every euro invested
in R&D&I in the bioeconomy, funded at community level, will generate ten euros of
added value in 2025. This data supports scientific and technical strategies that will not
only improve employment figures, but could also help save the environment.

AGRICULTURE, BIOFUELS AND ENERGY

The technology applied in agriculture is one great example. The development of

improved crops, boosted in recent decades by sufficient scientific evidence to support its
usefulness and safety, shows how biotechnology can produce crops which are resistant to
climate change. In addition to initiatives such as vitamin A-enriched golden rice,
scientists have been able to create other varieties of rice which are resistant to flooding.
It is not the only alternative that will allow us to adapt to thechanging weather conditions
caused by global warming. Recently, the European Union claimed they would support a
research study aimed at developing drought-tolerant cereal, which will be directed by a
team led by Dr. Ana Cano Delgado from Barcelona’s CRAG-CSIC. Floods, drought and
other hazards such as wildfires are some of the problems that climate change will
exacerbate, especially in the poorest regions.

The future will not only be marked by our ability to evolve and adapt to change. Among
the technologies that will save the environment, electric cars and biofuels play a special
role. The term “green cars” is not only restricted to the electric type, but also includes
cars that consume less to travel the same distance, hybrid vehicles, and many others.
Moving towards a new culture in this industry is essential, since, for example, in the
United States alone, car, bus, motorcycle and truck trips cover an annual distance
quivalent to making 13,440 round-trips to the Sun, according to the US Environmental
Protection Agency.
And while we are still seeking alternatives to conventional vehicles, in order to reduce
consumption of oil and fossil fuels, renewable energy is appearing on the horizon as a
key pillar of our development. This includes biofuels, an alternative to traditional fuels
generated from the biomass of living organisms or their metabolic waste. Research
studies today are focusing on taking particular advantage of crop waste, such as sugar
cane or corn, with the aim of promoting the circular economy.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biofuel production is a solution that facilitates the use of biotechnology for

environmental purposes. But it is not the only one. Environmental disasters such as the
sinking of the Exxon-Valdez and the Prestige were the catalyst for scientists to
implement pioneering technologies for cleaning oil-contaminated environments. The use
of microorganisms for these tasks is called bioremediation, and it employs bacteria or
fungi to decontaminate waste water from cities. These alternatives show that “living”
technology will be crucial in promoting sustainable development.

And in order to ensure sustainability, we should not forget to mention innovation in new
materials. Some of these, such as biomaterials used to “store” carbon dioxide, can help
to reduce the greenhouse effect and global warming. Others, such as banana blades,
manufactured in Mexico for construction, increase the chance of eliminating toxic
compounds such as asbestos, which is related to increased risks of cancer.

Research, as well as scientific and technical innovation, will be critical to saving the
environment, reducing the impact of global warming, helping in adapting to climate
change, cleaning up polluted areas and taking care of our own health. The examples
mentioned above show that science and technology will be better prepared to meet the
challenges of the future. In addition, overcoming these challenges will allow us to move
towards a different economy, an environment-friendly one that generates qualified
employment.