From Guest Blogger Devin Morrissey: Drones Can Be Used to Protect the Environment

Drones have a lot of negative associations, though owners have found novel ways to use them to protect the environment. Due in large part to the use of drones for military applications, much of the public distrusts drones. In fact, enthusiasts typically prefer to call the devices “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAVs) for their less ominous connotations.

Contrary to the common negative perception of UAVs, many pilots are using them in creative and beneficial ways. A range of organizations, including those law enforcement and disaster relief have found a wide range of uses for drones. Interestingly, users often find ways to use them to further environmental causes.

Sustainable Agriculture Solutions

As previously covered on 2GreenEnergy, drones can be used for agricultural purposes. For one, drones can help farmers perform inspections of crops without using gas-guzzling vehicles. High definition images from drones equipped with cameras can let users know if there are any issues with crops. They can also be equipped with dispensers to precisely spray plants. Analysts suggest that this could reduce fertilizer use by 20%, which obviously results in less pollution to the area.

Thermal imaging opens a new range of possibilities for farmers as well. On-board cameras with thermal imaging capabilities can help farmers spot pregnant cattle (they have a higher temperature), greenhouse monitoring, and identify pests. These applications could improve the welfare of livestock and improve agricultural scheduling.

Wildlife Preservation

UAVs can also be used to protect wildlife in certain situations. For example: In Tanzania, villagers who live a subsistence lifestyle. They often suffer due to nearby elephants consuming their crops. Rangers have been using multirotor drones to herd elephants away from farms, preventing conflicts from occurring.

In another case, researchers from Griffith University used drones to collect information to determine if the whale population was too dense in the area. The vehicles were used to collect mucus samples, which the researchers used to determine the status of the population’s immune system. This information can guide future decisions to protect whales.

Maintain Renewable Energy Devices

Drones can also be used to maintain equipment used to produce renewable energy. UAV Pilots around the world have been able to monitor and diagnose problems with solar panels and wind turbines. In fact, a Portuguese start-up has been using them to perform automated inspections of wind turbines for approximately one year. The operators claim that UAV inspections are up to six times more economical than traditional rope access inspections.

Using this approach to maintenance, renewable energy could be much easier to use on a large scale. As more conveniences like this are introduced, businesses and municipalities will be more likely to adopt green energy solutions.

Make no mistake: efforts like these are only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting our environment. These novel approaches should be commended, but drastic policy changes are needed to reduce pollution and protect the wildlife. With any luck, the efforts of environmentally conscious drone pilots will raise awareness for the larger problems we face today.