Green tech are technologies that reduce negative impact on the environment. The term was first coined in the early 2000s, as environmental concerns started to gain mainstream attention. It’s a broad umbrella term including sectors such as renewable energy, green mobility, recycling and sustainable buildings.
Although “green tech” is a relatively new term, the technology itself isn’t. It can be traced back to as for as ancient civilizations which used early forms of green technology such as irrigation systems, wind and water power for mills, and sustainable agriculture.
When the Industrial Revolution took place in the 1800s-1900s, leading to devastating environmental degradation, scientists began to look for ways to reduce pollution from coal plants, prompting early green tech innovation.
As we entered the 20th century, we saw major milestones such as the environmental movement after WWII, the creation of the EPA in 1970, and the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Today, we’re in the midst of a renewable energy revolution. Solar, wind, and battery storage are now cost-competitive with fossil fuels, driving a big shift towards clean energy.
In recent years, there’s also been a boom in green mobility, smart cities, sustainable farming, and a growing awareness of environmental issues.
Climate, Clean, and Green Tech: Understanding the Differences
As the environmental and technological landscapes evolve, it’s important to distinguish between Green Tech and closely related terms like Clean Tech and Climate Tech.
- Clean Tech focuses on upgrading existing systems to be more environmentally friendly. It represents improvements to reduce pollution and waste in industries such as energy production, manufacturing, and transportation, often by making these traditionally harmful processes cleaner and more efficient.
- Climate Tech is a broader category that includes technologies specifically designed to combat climate change by supporting decarbonization, energy transition, and emissions reduction. It addresses the root causes of the climate crisis with innovative solutions across various sectors.
While each term emphasizes different priorities, in practice, they often intersect. For example, renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power can be classified as green, clean, and climate tech because they reduce ecological footprints, improve existing energy infrastructures, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously.
The landscape is evolving fast, driven by new investments and innovations. As we face the dual challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, the role of green tech companies is critical. In recent years, there’s been a shift from ‘green tech’ to ‘climate tech’ – reflecting a focus on developing technologies specifically addressing climate change.
Investing in and supporting these technologies is essential for a sustainable future. Stay informed about the latest in green tech by subscribing to our newsletter and exploring our other articles on sustainable innovations.
