Friends of the Earth Says Nanotechnology Nothing But Hot Air!

The science of the really small may have great uses but is it eco-friendly? Apparently nanotechnology is often not green enough as per the environmental group Friends of the Earth.

The spokesperson for Friends of the Earth Australia, Georgia Miller said that despite claims that nanotechnology can limit climate change and promote energy efficiency, the use of nanotechnology actually comes with a large environment cost. Ms Miller is the co-author of report titled “Nanotechnology, climate and energy : overheated promises and hot air?”

Innovation Minister Kim Carr said that the important uses of nanotechnology included new age solar cells, fuel cells and battery storage. Nanotechnology is also involved in the design of efficient building materials, lighting and water purification. The range of novel products from nanotechnology promised cleaner and more efficient energy generation.

However Ms Miller and her colleagues felt that was all ‘greenwash’. They said that nanotechnology had high energy and water needs and also involved using toxic chemicals and solvents that released greenhouse gases. The group wants the federal government to stop funding for nanotechnology projects.