The world is becoming smaller as globalization evolves. With the advent of the Internet, wireless telecom infrastructures, and social media, our planet is poised for rapid growth. With globalization comes the elevated consumption of natural resources. Increasing populations coupled with better health care and longer life expectancies will place a mounting strain on finite resources such as coal, crude oil, mined materials, and potable water.
According to The Clean Tech Group LLC, there are currently 18 megacities in the world. A megacity is defined as population of 10 million or more people. Of these 18 cities, only one third reside in the Western hemisphere. Now fast forward 40 years. There may be over 400 megacities if current growth rates remain the same. This will equate to a worldwide population of 10 billion humans, approximately 70% more then are on the earth today. Without sustainable practices, there may be widespread resource scarcity, which is tied to economic and national security instability.
The term ‘clean tech’ was introduced within the last 10 years in an effort to challenge the world to develop technologies, practices, and core fundamental values that center on the sustainable use of resources.
President Theodore Roosevelt recognized the need for sustainable practices over 100 years ago and was quoted as saying, "The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value." [1] A similar concept comes from Native American folk lore, which states that we did not inherit the planet from our parents; we rent it from our children.
