It is an unknown, and there are costs and benefits to any system, but I have doubts that wireless power will be the right move until it either sees leaps and bounds in energy efficiency, or we've moved to a power generating source that's cheap and environmentally sound. Neither of which seem likely in the short term.
We just have to wait and see, but what we already know is that renewable energy is becoming more popular every year, as that happens, the pressure gets lower on devices that are less energy efficient, but are better for the environment on other factors. We also know that disposable batteries are not good for the environment at all. Air charging will probably be very expensive at first, but as it usually happens with technology, it will get smaller and more efficient with time.
Renewable energy is good for the planet and for people, but what is it exactly? Find out more in this REN21 article.
www.ren21.net
"When taken to landfills, most batteries release harmful metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium into the environment causing soil contamination and water pollution. The incineration of batteries can also cause air pollution. Battery waste can endanger wildlife and is potentially hazardous to humans."
The increasing global demand for batteries is largely due to the rapid increase in portable power-consuming products such as cellular phones and video cameras, toys and laptop computers. Each year consumers dispose of billions of batteries, all containing toxic or corrosive materials.
sciencing.com
