According to experts, technology is not only an important asset in the fight against climate change and resource degradation, but it's essential to reach our universal goal of eliminating the twin scourges of malnutrition and hunger. In order to eliminate poverty and reach a level of sustainable development, we must bring technology to the forefront.

"To make new technology and innovation work in support of communities, any efforts must be driven on a local level, and be inclusive," explains a report from the United Nations. “Taking integrated approaches and working to break down barriers is of utmost urgency, too, as crises and shocks are increasingly complex and span the economic, social and environmental spheres."

By leveraging software solutions to fight hunger, Givley is a prime example of technology being put to good use. It's all about connection. When people are willing to reach out and help others, good technology can make that process as streamlined and safe as possible.

"At Givley, we're modernizing food philanthropy," says founder Chad Beals. "Our software platform allows those who are in need to continue their regular routine of shopping for groceries online from local grocers. We then empower donors to purchase those grocery carts for the families they would like to help. The donating experience becomes more personal when you put the solution directly in the hands of both those in need and those who want to help."

Let’s look at five other examples of technology being used to relieve universal problems. Whether it's related to healthcare or managing the earth’s resources, these tech solutions represent the transformative power of innovation.

Let’s look at five other examples of technology being used to relieve universal problems. Whether it's related to healthcare or managing the earth’s resources, these tech solutions represent the transformative power of innovation.

COVID-19 vaccine: This one is probably top of mind for most of us, as the pandemic has upended our lives and led to heartbreaking events for many families. Fortunately, technology has played a key role in the development of various vaccine candidates. It now looks as though at least one vaccine will be ready by year’s end, which will hopefully signal the beginning of a new era of public health.

Ocean restoration: It's projected that in the near future there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Of biggest concern are microplastics, which are tiny fragments less than five millimeters in length. Given their size and ubiquity, microplastics are a health threat to humans and sea life. But technology is increasingly helping us create methods for cleaning the water and removing as much plastic as possible.

Earthquake predictions: This is a field where recent technology is helping to save lives, as our ability to predict earthquakes makes it easier to alert people and conduct evacuations. Better tracking of earthquakes also enables us to make better preparations so that future disasters are less deadly.

Desalination: Making freshwater from saltwater is no easy task. But as droughts become more severe around the world and traditional sources of water are jeopardized, it's crucial that we find new ways to make it happen. Luckily, technology is driving new methods that can make desalination more affordable and scalable. With the global population growing each year, this is becoming more important than ever.

Energy storage: We're continually finding ways to make solar and wind energy more effective. But what happens when sunlight isn't available or the wind goes dormant? This is where energy storage becomes essential, and modern technology is providing new methods to store the energy until it's needed.

There is no shortage of global problems for technology to tackle. The scale of these issues is vast, as are the consequences. But it's encouraging to see how technology is also making a difference in our local communities. If we can address poverty and hunger on the micro level, we'll be able to do much more on the international stage. Each positive interaction becomes part of a greater wave of change that will benefit the whole earth.