Climate change is no longer a future threat; its effects are felt in the present.
According to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2023 was the hottest year on record, with a global average temperature near the surface of 1.45°C.
Records were broken regarding ocean heat, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice loss, and glacier retreat.
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to rise, and according to the same WMO forecast, there is a high probability that temperatures will exceed 1.5°C for at least one year by 2028.
Amid this climate crisis, a crucial question arises: how can we reverse or at least mitigate the damage our planet is suffering?
The answer to this challenge is not straightforward, but a hopeful pathway is emerging through technological innovation.
In the face of the problem's magnitude, humanity is turning to tools that combine science and technology to transform the relationship between humans and the environment.
Known as Climatech, these are a set of tools that aim not only to reduce environmental impact but also to restore damaged ecosystems and prevent future catastrophes.
From drones that reforest in a matter of hours to artificial intelligence systems that optimise the use of natural resources, these emerging technologies are changing the way we protect and regenerate our planet.
Innovation in Service of Nature
Artificial intelligence (AI), with its capacity to analyse large volumes of data and generate predictive patterns, has become central to numerous global environmental restoration efforts.
It is used to monitor wildlife, prevent poaching, optimise natural resource usage, and analyse environmental DNA. AI also helps model and predict climate change and design effective ecosystem restoration strategies.
One example is its application in automated reforestation: drones equipped with IoT sensors and AI algorithms are deployed to map terrains, identify degraded areas, and facilitate the planting of millions of trees with pinpoint accuracy.
Companies like BioCarbon Engineering have developed systems that enable these drones to reforest remote and hard-to-access areas, accelerating soil recovery processes. AI, by analysing terrain conditions and climate patterns, optimises where and when to plant, maximising tree survival rates.
The IoT, for its part, plays a crucial role in ecosystem management. Smart sensors deployed in natural environments enable real-time monitoring of water quality, deforestation levels, biodiversity, and other key factors for restoration.
In places like the Amazon, sensor networks are helping detect and prevent illegal logging, alerting authorities immediately. These technologies allow for preventive interventions, avoiding irreparable damage to ecosystems.
The results are promising: in projects combining AI and IoT, restoration times have been drastically reduced, and decision-making accuracy has improved significantly. In marine biodiversity protection, for instance, underwater sensors collect data on coral health and pollution levels, while AI processes this information to identify critical areas requiring immediate intervention.
Technology is also improving waste management, optimising collection processes and reducing environmental impact. How? IoT sensors enable smart bins to detect when they are full, facilitating route optimisation for waste collection trucks, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and operational costs.
Furthermore, AI analyses collection patterns and generates predictive models to enhance efficiency.
Cleaning the Air We Breathe
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies present one of the most promising solutions.
But what exactly do they do? They collect CO2 emitted from industrial sources such as power plants, cement factories, or refineries. The gas is trapped using special systems that employ chemical solvents or advanced filters.
Once captured, the gas is transported through pipelines or overland to facilities where the second stage takes place: storage. In this phase, CO2 is injected into underground geological formations, such as old oil or gas fields, where it can be securely sealed for thousands of years.
One of the most advanced examples of this technology is the Sleipner project in Norway, which has been capturing and storing around one million tonnes of CO2 per year since 1996 in a saline formation beneath the North Sea.
The benefits of CCS are evident: they not only help reduce carbon emissions in highly polluting sectors but also offer a pathway to achieve negative emissions, that is, removing more CO2 than is emitted.
This is crucial for meeting the climate targets of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C.
As climate policies tighten and the urgency to reduce emissions increases, carbon capture and storage technologies could play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable, carbon-free economy.
Engineering for Restoration
Biotechnology is emerging as a fundamental tool in global environmental restoration efforts. Through advanced techniques such as bioengineering and genetic manipulation, scientists are developing organisms and methods that allow for more efficient restoration of damaged ecosystems.
An example is the use of modified microorganisms for bioremediation, a process in which these life forms remove pollutants from soil and water, such as heavy metals or oil, accelerating recovery in areas affected by industrial activity.
Biotechnology is also driving reforestation efforts through genetically modified plants that are more resistant to diseases, extreme weather conditions, or degraded soils, enhancing their survival rates in hostile environments.
Moreover, advancements in the cloning of endangered plant species are contributing to the regeneration of biodiverse ecosystems and the balance of food chains in regions impacted by deforestation or habitat loss.
These applications of biotechnology not only accelerate environmental restoration but also provide long-term sustainable solutions for biodiversity preservation.
The Future is Now
The era of Climatech is well underway. According to a report from Allianz, the Climatech industry could triple by 2030, reaching 600 billion dollars.
This means there will be increasingly more technologies dedicated to precisely monitoring ecosystems, managing resources more efficiently, and restoring habitats with data-driven approaches.
The importance of technology lies in its capacity to transform data into concrete actions. However, technology alone is not enough; it is also key to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. This involves investing in training and raising awareness about the importance of ecological restoration and the responsible use of natural resources.
The real challenge lies in integrating these advancements equitably and sustainably into global communities. Governments, businesses, and citizens must act collectively to implement technological solutions that not only mitigate environmental damage but also regenerate what has been lost.
International collaboration and clear policies will be essential for Climatech to fulfil its promise: a healthier planet for future generations.
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