The Green Revolution
Climate change and the global environmental crisis are among the most pressing challenges facing humanity. It is currently affecting millions of people and will affect many more in the foreseeable future. Climate change is disrupting ecosystems, trapping hundreds of plant and animal species, destroying their homes and natural habitats. Humans may not be too far behind.
Humanity’s continued dependence on fossil fuels has a direct impact on climate change and is a major obstacle to fully reversing the environmental crisis. We use it to power not just industry, but every aspect of our lives on Earth and make products like plastic that are toxic to the planet. It is now very clear that we must do something about our dependence on oil and seek – and permanently switch to – more renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to electricity and energy.
Scientists are looking at plants and animals as possible fuel alternatives. There is now a global movement to transform the current oil-based market economy into a “bio-based” market economy. Despite the odds, scientists, politicians and industry leaders are optimistic.
“The Green Revolution” explores this new bio-based circular economy and follows several scientists, entrepreneurs and researchers as they innovate and pave the way for the future by creating alternatives to biofuels. It is studying whether they can replace coal and oil.
All the gas alternatives they found were groundbreaking, some rooted in practical science, while others seemed to belong on an episode of Star Trek.
For example, plant milking extracts a unique bioactive molecule from the roots of plants, especially those grown via aeroponics, which means they grow in the air without using soil or land. The roots are sprayed with organic non-toxic solvents, collecting molecules for various pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural and food uses.
Another company is considering using biomass, the organic matter produced by living organisms such as plants and animals, including waste, as a fuel alternative. Scientists are using the blackwater fly as a new way to feed livestock because it is hardy and stores many nutrients in its body. The same concept applies to nutrient-fed maggots, so farmers can use them to feed fish and other livestock.
Meanwhile, researchers in Germany are looking for enzymes in animal waste to process its degradation more quickly. A Finnish food startup has finally figured out how to make food out of seemingly thin air. They have created a high-protein food that contains essential amino acids derived from the harmless, non-toxic organic bacteria that live in our atmosphere.
Advances in biobased technologies promise to help address some of the world’s biggest ecological problems, such as species extinction, soil depletion, climate change, and pesticide residue runoff. But even these sustainable and renewable resources are expensive to produce today and may not be doing enough to help the planet.
Directed by: Max Lebsanft
