Does Technology Enhance our Connection with the Environment?

The first consumer computers, pioneered by companies such as IBM and Apple, began to appear in the mid-1970s. IBM were also responsible for releasing the first laptop computer in 1986. By the mid to late 90s, nearly every home had its own personal computer. Nowadays, you’d find difficulty walking into any bar, restaurant or form of public transport without finding at least 50% of the people inside glued to their Smartphones, Tablets or other electronic devices.

While technology has helped to unite us globally as a people, allowing communication from different sides of the globe instantaneously, it often distances us from nature. More and more young children would rather spend hours on their games console or surfing the internet than exploring the great outdoors – and the same can be said of the older generation, too.

However, technology can also have a beneficial effect on our relationship with nature. The development of highly sensitive sensors, interpretative algorithms and user-friendly apps mean that we can now understand nature like never before. Here are a handful of the ways in which technology – despite its dehumanising and desensitising reputation – can actually enhance our connection with nature.

A Whole New Kind of Weather Forecasting

With more sophisticated equipment than ever before and a greater understanding of how air patterns and wind currents affect weather and climate across the globe, this is forecasting like you’ve never seen it before. Indeed, there are whole events and exhibitions, such as the Meteorological Technology World Expo, dedicated to furthering our knowledge in these areas.

Hi-Tech Ornithology

Birdwatching enthusiasts can now use apps like eBird, developed by Marshall Iliff at Cornell University, to catalogue their sightings throughout the day in an orderly manner. Similarly, Merlin Bird ID allows watchers to identify their spots through GPS coordinates, descriptions and time of year.

Tree ID

LeafSnap is an ingenuous little app which allows users to identify types of trees they encounter anywhere in the world, simply by snapping a photo of its leaves. The visual recognition software contained in the app is then able to pinpoint exactly which genus the tree belongs to.

Air Quality Monitoring

Recently, there have been a plethora of air quality monitoring apps released around Europe and North America, which allow everyday citizens the chance to not only collect information about air quality as they go about their daily business, but also to see an overview of general air quality throughout their city or country. For an example of one such scheme, check out this London pollution app developed in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Seeing is Experiencing

Normally, to access spectacular coral reef, you’d have to strap on some scuba gear and a wetsuit and take to the depths of the ocean – or at the very least, equip yourself with a snorkel. Now, thanks to the wonders of CoralRKV, you can enjoy the pretty colours and amazing marine life from the comfort of your own home. Taking 2D images of reefs, the app is able to construct immersive 3D videos, opening up the wonders of the depths to all.

Of course, overuse of technology can lead to a disconnection from nature; but when used in the right manner (as the applications above testify), it can bring us closer to Mother Earth.