The Role of Electrical Engineering in Solving Environmental Degradation Issues

Abstract

Most of the materials that go into the socio-economic chain's infrastructure (production — transportation/distribution — electricity use) are obtained from finite natural resources via technological processes that consume large amounts of energy while also releasing pollutants and/or collateral waste. Components and apparatuses of electrical systems that are no longer needed become waste when they are taken out of service (often containing toxic, non-biodegradable compounds). Reducing emissions and recovering and reusing waste materials is a top concern for sustainable development, and it is a multifaceted, cross-disciplinary challenge. Knowledge-based societies and long-term ecological education are vital if mankind is to have a healthy future. The various electromagnetic fields emitted by electrical and communication devices pose a danger to human health. The utilisation of renewable energy sources helps alleviate social, environmental, and economic issues because these resources are regarded environmentally beneficial, emitting little or minimal exhaust and harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monooxide, sulphur dioxide, and so on.