How Climate Tech Helps with the Effects of Climate Change
With global temperatures rising, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and dangerous.
Floods, wildfires, heatwaves and droughts are claiming lives, properties and ecosystems alongside billions of dollars in damage.
Climate tech doesn’t just have the potential to prevent further environmental harm, but also to help humans adapt to the changes that are already taking place.
Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, says: “We must invest in green and blue economies that promote environmental sustainability and create economic opportunities.
“Resilient infrastructure is crucial to withstand the impacts of climate change and support sustainable growth.”
How climate tech can help agriculture adapt
Climate change poses significant challenges to global food security, with shifting weather patterns and increasing water scarcity threatening crop yields around the world.
However, climate tech is stepping up to the plate with advanced solutions for smarter agriculture.
Precision farming techniques, powered by IoT sensors and data, are changing the way farmers can manage their crops.
New systems can provide real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels and plant health, allowing for optimised irrigation and fertiliser use.
Bayer and ADM are collaborating to help farmers implement regenerative farming practices including efficient crop rotation and nutrient management - regenerative agriculture practices not only help crops to be more resilient, but also reduce the environmental impact of growing crops.
Vertical farming is another promising avenue, particularly for urban areas facing land constraints.
Online grocer Ocado has invested in vertical farming business Jones Food Company to reduce the need for land, water and pesticides in agriculture.
Stephen Daintith, Chief Financial Officer at Ocado, says: “At Ocado Group, we are passionate about the long-term potential of vertical farming for both the food industry and for the environment.”
Making buildings more resilient
Climate tech is bringing innovative materials and design approaches to buildings to make them more resilient in the face of extreme weather.
Self-healing concrete can work through a variety of methods, including using bacteria that activate when cracks form, secreting limestone to fill the gaps.
This not only makes concrete more sustainable through extending its life, but could also make structures more stable when faced with extreme winds.
Self healing concrete is expected to bring revenues of US$562bn by 2030.
Water resilience through climate tech
Water scarcity is set to become one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, with climate change exacerbating existing challenges.
Atmospheric water generators (AWGs) are devices that extract water from humid ambient air, offering a potential solution for water-stressed regions.
Microsoft-backed company SOURCE Global produces hydropanels that use solar energy to extract water from air.
The partnership is bringing its technology to 100 Navajo homes as part of Microsoft’s efforts to become water positive by 2030.
Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft, says: “I’m excited to share that Microsoft is working with SOURCE Global to bring their hydropanel technology to families in Navajo Nation.
“This work will improve access to clean drinking water for these communities.”
How climate tech can support ecosystems
Healthy ecosystems are crucial for climate change adaptation, providing natural buffers against extreme weather and supporting biodiversity.
IBM has partnered with the WWF to create an AI solution to monitoring African forest elephants and preserving their ecosystems.
These elephants are considered a ‘keystone species’, having a huge impact on the health of ecosystems - tadpoles even live in their footprints.
Oday Abbosh, Global Sustainability Services Leader at IBM Consulting, says: "At IBM, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact on the world in business, our environment, and the communities in which we work and live.
“Our collaboration with WWF marks a significant step forward in this effort.
“By combining our expertise in technology and sustainability with WWF's conservation expertise, we aim to leverage the power of technology to create a more sustainable future."
******
Receive the next edition of ClimateTech Magazine by signing up for its newsletter.
As part of this portfolio, make sure you check out Sustainability Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE.
Also check out our Sister Brand, Energy Digital.
******
ClimateTech Digital is a BizClik brand.