It is increasingly apparent in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic that we are living in the digital era, as we enter the age of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Singularity. The digitized world is using social media, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to reimagine the future of communication and work.

Automation of transportation such as drones and electric vehicles are becoming much more necessary given the accelerated rate of innovation. Quantum Computing is the next generation of supercomputers that will change everything, and will accelerate how we use data to make the decisions that once seemed impossible possible.

As we move into a post-Covid world, can these technological innovations help save humanity and the planet?

Heres how these exponential technologies can help humankind identify, measure, track, and sustain the natural balance of non-renewable resources on our planet.

1. Life-saving drones: Drones that were once used to take lives by the military, can now be used to save lives while protecting the world's wildlife and forests.

By delivering medication in hard to reach places affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, and saving wildlife by monitoring poachers that hunt and kill elephants, drones can track illegal activities.

Forest conservationists can monitor wildfires and retard the collateral damage these fires cause, and even replant trees to help negate the negative effects of climate change.

2. Remote sensors: Remote sensing tech can help a great deal in arranging, observing, and assessing the environmental impact on the ground with extraordinary accuracy.

For example, sensors have given WWF access to the development of extractive industries in environmentally delicate territories, including some of the world heritage sites to help protect such monuments as the Taj Mahal.

3. Thermal imaging and LIDAR: Thermal imaging cameras can give you virtual control to let officers for example get hold of poachers that hunt endangered species at record rates and dissuade a lot more from even entering the territory given they have a way to capture them in the act.

4. Blockchain for commodity markets: The advances in blockchain innovation have the potential to be game changers given the ledger technology and transparency of tracking every moment of the source of a transaction. For instance, it can inform buyers about the sourcing journey of their fish and other horticultural produce.

5. Quantum computing: This is probably the most disruptive technology in the next decade as it has the potential to solve any problem with extraordinary solutions and revolutionize how computers operate with 10x ability to do anything from find solutions to seemingly impossible diseases to creating a whole new way in which humanity experiences civilization.

While scientists and environmentalists are in search of new cutting-edge technologies to help save the planet, it is the next generation and youth that will make this new reality come to fruition.

Digital biology is growing enormously and so is the demand for professionals with knowledge in data science and disruptive technology.

The increasing importance of a career in the future of innovation and technology is witnessing billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett invest their money in companies generating employment related to science and the environment for the next 10 years while companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and Google invest in research and development around AI and AR/VR technology.

Several future professions that could help us protect and save the planet?

1. Conservation Scientist: Taking care of life on land including the quality of forests, national parks, ranges, and other natural resources will serve a vital role in society.

Securing the wild forests, improving natural surroundings for wildlife, promoting biodiversity, encouraging public recreation, and controlling wild-fires are all critical roles for the future of our world.

2. Geoscientist: This profession includes the study of the planets structure, history, and natural resources. Geoscientists work with environmental researchers and carry out their responsibilities both from the lab and in the field.

Travel can take these professionals to some wonders of the world like active volcanoes or the top of Mt. Everest.

3. Hydrologist: Water will be more valuable than oil in the future. Using their skill of water quality and accessibility, hydrologists study water development.

Their time is commonly spent between working in the field where they may wind up swimming into lakes and streams to gather water samples or observing the monitoring equipment, and research labs where they break down the information and model their discoveries to protect our water sources and life in the rivers and under the sea.

4. Environmental Scientist: Their expertise in physics, chemistry, and biology help them progress in the direction of understanding the planets ecological issues.

Research in the field to examine the contamination of the earth brought about by humans can promote measures to create a sustainable way of life for the future.

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Whether it is to save an endangered species or master a renewable resource or protect the planet from the adversities of production and supply, a career in these fields can rightfully use innovation and technology for the greater good in order to transform our world for a better future.

- Article by Kunal Sood, Founder of WeThePlanet and X Fellows

Read: 6 jobs every environment lover will enjoy

Read: How you can save the world with a career in sustainable design

Read: 5 ways to create an environment-friendly office to increase productivity

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5 technologies and 4 job roles that can help save humanity and the planet - India Today