Focal Theme: Science and Technology for Sustainable Development

Importance of theme

The current time is considered as a critical time for both humanity and the planet and thus there is a need to seek for more sustainable formulas for interacting with the environment and its various constituents. Sustainable Development talks about production of goods and services while putting minimum burden on the nature and reducing raw materials, water and energy consumption and waste. Further, in this concept the earth's resources are utilized in such a manner that human needs of the present time are met and at the same time the needs of the future generation are also not compromised.

As the temperature of the mother earth is rising at an alarming rate, so there's a need to design an effort where technology and the circular economy will play a pivotal role. The circular economy is a concept where traditionally considered elements are reused. To contribute to the ideas of Sustainable Development, a number of reformations can be suggested in various fields closely related to mankind. In the field of agriculture, there's a need to develop alternative crop species which are tolerant to changing climatic conditions created as an effect of Global Warming. Among the technologies “electric cars” and “green vehicles” will rule the future as these vehicles will use bio-fuels using crop wastes like corn waste & sugarcane waste.

The waste water from cities is also a critical indicator of deteriorating lifestyle in the major cities. In such a case, Bioremediation becomes a precise solution that facilitates the use of biotechnology in the field of environment. Better and harmless species of Fungi and Bacteria can be employed to decontaminate the waste water and recycle it for further use in various industries and factories. This alternative also indicates that “living” technology will also play a crucial role in promoting the concept of Sustainable Development.

The elements of Science and Technology can play a pivotal role in linking the fundamental significance of the Earth System as life support to the various emerging strategies of the sustainable development. There is an emergent need to explore a lot more horizons in this integration so that the current deteriorating phase of the Mother Earth can be put to halt.

At all levels, the role of science and technology is crucial; scientific knowledge and appropriate technologies are central to resolving the economic, social and environmental problems that make current development paths unsustainable, bridging the development gap. Cooperation in basic science and technology offers potentially powerful means to achieve sustainable development on earth.