Technological Innovations in Climate Policy
-Edwiga Joiel Nelson, Zainab Fatima, Asmeet Kaur, Adithyan. P, Dhwanii Pandit
Introduction
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and the solutions we develop today will determine the future of our planet.” – Ban Ki-moon.
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, as human beings we are the first generation to feel its impact however with time we have also advanced in technological innovations that can play a key role by driving meaningful actions in transforming climate policies. With breakthroughs in energy sources, wind turbines and solar panels are renewable energy systems accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. The world’s largest solar farm in Dubai has set a model for future energy systems by reducing carbon emissions to a great extent (Sustainability and Innovation Centre, n.d.), another notable example is Singapore which is using sensors to manage traffic, water use and energy consumption more efficiently with tools like IBM’s Green Horizon projects and AI to predict pollution pattern and assist in making environmental policies (Duarte, 2024). Sectoral adaptations in areas like agriculture have been transformed by technology in areas like agriculture, water management and disaster risks. Together such initiatives and development will help us put our innovations or advancements to the right use and accelerate our journey towards a resilient and sustainable future.
Renewable Energy Systems: Accelerating the transition to sustainable energy sources
Climate change has surfaced as a critical global challenge, largely propelled by the emission of greenhouse gases. The International Energy Agency (2024) reports that global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels reached 33,890.8 million tons in 2018, a significant rise from the 11,190 million tons noted in 1965. With an annual increase rate of 2.0% in 2018, CO2 emissions grew fastest in the previous seven years. This concerning trend underscores how urgent it is to confront climate change, which presents significant hazards to ecosystems, human health, and global security. The transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives will be crucial since two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to energy-related CO2 emissions (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2014).
The adoption of cleaner, sustainable energy is crucial as countries tackle the dual challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting rising energy demand. Renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and biofuels are now central to global policy agendas due to the pressing need to address climate change (Adelekan et al., 2024). Developing and implementing sustainable energy technologies requires policy support, technological advancements, and public awareness (Chai and Zhang, 2010; Qazi et al., 2019).
Numerous nations are making significant strides in renewable energy development. For instance, China is at the forefront of adding renewable electricity capacity, with about 350 GW added in 2023 accounting for two-thirds of the global deployment and the country has set ambitious targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan to have 33% of electricity production come from renewables by 2025. In response to the energy crisis, the European Union (EU) has accelerated the installation of wind and solar photovoltaic (PV), adding about 80 GW in 2023, double the 2021 increase. Also, the European Commission’s Repower EU Plan proposed raising the 2030 renewable energy goal to 45% and further unveiled The Green Deal Industrial Plan to enhance renewable energy technologies. India has set new ambitious 2030 targets of including 500 GW of total non-fossil electricity generating capacity and net zero emissions by 2070. On the other hand, the United States is anticipated to accelerate renewable expansion with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (International Energy Agency, n.d.).
Furthermore, the incorporation of technological innovations in renewable energy, such as Internet of Things (IoT) integration, smart grid systems using IoT devices, green hydrogen, floating solar panels, perovskite solar cells, climate informatics, smart wind turbines, and advancements in energy storage technologies like lithium-sulphur batteries, is allowing increased reliance on renewable sources accelerating the transition to a cleaner energy future.
The transition to sustainable energy sources offers many benefits like mitigating climate change, enhancing economic growth and energy security, improving public health, and protecting natural ecosystems. However, challenges remain, including the need for initial investments, policy support such as carbon pricing, subsidies, and incentives for sustainable energy use and infrastructure development. Nonetheless, continued advancements in AI, machine learning, big data analytics, technological innovations, global cooperation, and strong policy support are key to replacing fossil fuels and creating a resilient, low-carbon future for all.
Smart Cities and IoT Enhancing Urban Resilience through Technological Advancements
In an era of rapid urbanization, climate change poses significant risks to cities worldwide. To address these challenges, smart cities leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance urban resilience through technological advancements. IoT-driven solutions in smart cities optimize resource management, reduce carbon footprints, and improve disaster preparedness, ultimately contributing to sustainable urban development.
One of the primary applications of IoT in smart cities is intelligent energy management. Smart grids equipped with IoT sensors monitor electricity consumption, integrate renewable energy sources and optimize power distribution, reducing energy wastage (Ruzbahani, 2024). For instance, Amsterdam’s smart energy initiatives use IoT-enabled meters to regulate energy consumption efficiently (European Commission, 2022).
Another critical area is smart water management. IoT devices monitor water quality, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution networks. Singapore’s Smart Water Grid utilizes IoT sensors to prevent water wastage and ensure a sustainable water supply (Allen et al., 2012).
Traffic management and air quality monitoring also benefit from IoT innovations. Smart traffic lights and connected vehicle systems in Barcelona reduce congestion and lower emissions. Additionally, New Delhi employs IoT-based air quality monitoring stations to provide real-time pollution data, aiding policymakers in implementing effective regulations (Central Pollution Control Board, 2023).
Furthermore, IoT enhances disaster resilience by providing early warnings for extreme weather events. Japan’s earthquake detection systems use IoT sensors to analyze seismic activity, allowing authorities to mitigate risks efficiently (Das, 2024).
As cities continue to expand, integrating IoT into urban planning is essential for sustainable climate policies. Through intelligent infrastructure and data-driven decision-making, IoT fosters climate resilience and ensures a sustainable future.
Climate Informatics: Leveraging big data and analytics for informed decision-making.
Climate informatics leverages big data and analytics to enhance decision-making in addressing climate change. This interdisciplinary field integrates climate science, data analytics, and computer science to extract meaningful insights from vast environmental datasets, ultimately supporting informed policy decisions and actions. By harnessing these technologies, researchers and policymakers can develop more effective strategies to mitigate climate change impacts and adapt to new challenges.
One notable initiative is the United Nations Biennial Transparency Reports, which track the progress of countries towards their climate commitments (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2024). These reports compile extensive data on greenhouse gas emissions, climate policies, and actions, providing a comprehensive overview of global efforts to combat climate change. By analyzing this data, policymakers can identify successful strategies, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and foster international cooperation.
Another example is the Agrolly app in India, which demonstrates the potential of big data and AI to support climate resilience at the grassroots level. Developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Agrolly app provides real-time weather monitoring, crop information, and agricultural advice to farmers (United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 2024). By leveraging satellite data and machine learning algorithms, the app helps farmers make informed decisions, optimize their resources, and adapt to changing climate conditions. This innovative approach exemplifies how climate informatics can empower individuals and communities to build resilience against climate change.
Climate informatics is also transforming disaster management and response. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, AI-enabled surveillance systems are used to monitor and analyze real-time data during natural disasters such as floods and landslides. These systems provide crucial information to emergency responders, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and coordinate rescue efforts effectively. By integrating AI and big data into disaster management, cities can enhance their preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately saving lives and reducing economic losses (Singh et al., 2024).
Furthermore, climate informatics is playing a critical role in national adaptation plans. Countries like Kenya and South Africa are utilizing big data and analytics to develop comprehensive strategies for adapting to climate-related challenges. These plans incorporate data on climate trends, vulnerability assessments, and socioeconomic factors, enabling governments to prioritize actions and allocate resources effectively. By using climate informatics, these countries can improve their resilience to climate change and protect vulnerable populations (Singh et al., 2024).
While climate informatics offers significant benefits, it also presents challenges such as data privacy concerns and the need for robust data infrastructure. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach involving governments, researchers, and technology providers. However, the potential for informed decision-making and improved climate resilience makes climate informatics a promising field for future research and development.
Sectoral Adaptation: Applying technology in Agriculture, Water Management, and Disaster Reduction.
We cannot address climate change without technology. To adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, we use climate technologies such as drought-resistant crops, early warning systems and sea walls. There are also ‘soft’ climate technologies, such as energy-efficient practices or training for using equipment (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2021).
Modern farms and agricultural operations work far differently than those a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Today’s agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology (National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 2024). Governments today are focusing on technology enabled agriculture with sustainable farming, including natural, regenerative and organic systems to reverse climate change. Automation has been widely adopted in agricultural processes like sowing, transplanting, harvesting etc. This has reduced the dependence on manual labor and increased efficiency. Weather monitoring, the use of drones, and satellite imagery have been widely used (Sage University Bhopal, 2023). The National E-Governance Plan in Agriculture of the Government of India uses technology and innovation in Indian agriculture.
The world is facing a severe water crisis, with billions of people struggling to access clean and safe water. Rapid population growth, climate change, and poor water management have intensified the problem, making water scarcity a critical global issue. Over 4 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water at home, a significant increase since previous estimates. Water leaks may seem minor but each year, millions of gallons of water are wasted worldwide due to leaks at homes, public infrastructure, businesses etc. Advanced leak management systems come in handy and are cost-effective. Rainwater harvesting systems and water-efficient appliances address several pressing issues such as water scarcity, high utility costs, and environmental concerns. Odisha state has made exemplary strides in water conservation activities during the last few years. About 53,000 water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures and 10,800 reuse and recharge structures have been created as well as renovation of 11,000 traditional water bodies, 68,700 watershed development, and 21,000 wastewater treatment plants have been completed.
Recently, advancements in geospatial technology based on AI, Machine Learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have been widely used in Disaster Management Risk Reduction (DMRR). It can be used at every stage, from preparedness to prevention. Improving predictions by building hazard maps using AI, disaster modelling using deep learning and machine models E.g. Google Disaster Alerts, are increasingly been used. Key technologies for event stimulation to train people like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), E.g. Mobile Learning Hub, Philippines.
Private sector participation can play an important role in bridging the technology gap and participating in technology-enabled disaster management. Skill development for building technical knowledge, skills, and digital literacy of personnel involved in disaster management helps bridge the digital divide. Governments can start by giving paramedic insurance to help gauge the financial gap.
Conclusion
Technology is no longer just an enabler but also the driving force behind climate action. From renewable energy breakthroughs to IoT smart cities and AI-powered climate informatics, the climate is being reshaped by innovation at an unprecedented scale. In agriculture, GPS precision farming and IVR-based advisory systems are empowering communities to adapt to a changing climate as well as creating opportunities for sustainable growth. Technology is not enough, bold policies and unwavering cooperation are required to overcome problems and ensure easy access to these advancements for which government, industries and individuals must work together strategically to ensure a just movement towards a greener future. The future of climate action is data-driven, smart and unstoppable and the time to act is now.
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