Rising air pollution across the world has resulted in an increase in adverse respiratory health conditions, particularly in areas where pollution is high. In an effort to tackle these issues technology and innovation are taking centre stage.
One example is the Indian capital of Delhi. The city often tops lists of the most polluted cities in the world and there are even “smog seasons” when a combination of factors leads to low breathability and visibility. In a bid to deal with the problem of air pollution in the city an architecture firm has come up with a solution that involves a network of giant towers that aims to absorb pollution and recycle it into breathable air. The initiative, known as “The Smog Project”, has been shortlisted for the Experimental Future Project of the Year award 2018 at the World Architecture Festival. The project involves a grid of 100 metre tall buildings that act as filters, which catch pollutants at the level where people are and huge fans at the top then pump out pure air.Technology as an environmental tool
Dale Snyders, general manager for LG Electronics South Africa, says technology is at the forefront of projects like these, “The primary aim of technology is to improve the quality of life for users, however, some tools that we use every day can create pollution that degrades the environment and has the potential to have a negative impact on health.“This has led to the need for technology companies to come up with consumer-oriented solutions that work behind the scenes to safeguard against these dangers,” Snyders explains.
“We are at the forefront of innovation in environmental management technologies such as air cleaning with dual-protection filters that safeguard the mental and physical health of consumers,” he continues.
