by Jeff Parsons

Created on: August 29, 2010   Last Updated: September 10, 2010

We’ve all felt concern over the preservation of our environment: the world has become a dirtier place, infected with toxins, even the very air we breathe can kill us. The problem is so enormous that some scientists don’t believe we’ll be around much longer as a species. But, there are many companies out there who are taking on these challenges by using new and innovative technologies to restore our world to a safe place that we can all live within. The major environmental concerns in the upcoming years are as simple as food, water and air - these basic necessities of our lives can be improved to provide us with a greener environment.

The best investments will be in combined industries that can grow corn for food and produce ethanol from the cellulosic fibers (the stalks and leaves). The fibers are normally considered to be a waste product – this idea allows for a maximum usage of the crop. The land and water usage would be optimized without having to choose food or fuel when it comes to corn production, thereby preventing corn prices from skyrocketing during the inevitable ethanol revolution. The research for cellulosic ethanol is promising, and, using ethanol instead of gasoline will reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

When it comes to fossil fuel reductions, algae farming is the next bonanza for diesel and jet fuel. Algae farming requires that a specific, somewhat finicky, type of algae be grown within a bioreactor. The current technology works well under perfect laboratory conditions. The next step is to make it work in everyday locations, like the middle of a desert, where the sunlight would boost production. In addition to reducing gasoline usage, the algae farming process also absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gases.

Water supplies will be dwindling because of population growth and increased agricultural usage. There are many ways to recapture fresh water – ranging from efficient agricultural usage to large desalinization systems. For agricultural planting, a series of suntraps could be used to grab moisture from the air and funnel it down to  collection pans, which could be accessed by the crops planted above. Desalization systems collect seawater and evaporate out the fresh water, leaving behind the salt, which can be used for other commercial and industrial purposes. Producing water from currently untapped sources will provide a relief to the groundwater supply

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