Our planet is constantly threatened by rising global temperatures, dwindling natural resources, and escalating pollution and waste. It’s time we stepped up the measures to save the planet. Thankfully, we can use a few groundbreaking technologies to meet the challenge. From renewable energy innovations to carbon-capture techniques, these technologies not only can save the planet but also have the potential to reverse some of the damage we have done.
Read on to learn 11 technologies that could save the planet.
Carbon Capture And Storage
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to capture CO₂ emissions from power plants and industrial sites before they reach the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can then be stored underground or repurposed for other uses.
Statista says 628 projects worldwide are underway in the commercial carbon capture and storage facilities pipeline. 50 of these are operational, while almost 290 are in early development. North America has the highest number of projects in the CCS facilities pipeline followed by Europe. While still in its nascent stages, CCS could play a vital role in reducing emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The adoption of electric vehicles is critical for reducing air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are becoming increasingly accessible to consumers. Automakers like Tesla, Ford, and GM have committed to transitioning to fully electric fleets by 2035, further accelerating this shift.
According to Statista, the EV market in the US is expected to reach 2.32 million vehicles in 2029. Globally, China is expected to generate the most revenue in the EV market with US$ 376,400 million in 2024.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as a byproduct. This technology can replace fossil fuels in transportation, industrial processes, maritime, and home heating.
The U.S. Department of Energy in October 2024 announced an investment of up to $46 million to advance hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
Precision Agriculture
With the rise in the world population, we will have to produce more food to meet its needs. Producing food sustainably in limited land resources for a fast-growing population is a major challenge. This is where precision agriculture comes into the picture.
Precision agriculture, which uses technology and data to improve crop yields and environmental quality, offers a sustainable solution. Using drones, and sensors, farmers can monitor crops and soil health in real time, reducing water and fertilizer usage. The global precision agriculture market is set to grow from US$9.7 billion in 2023 to US$ 21.9 billion by 2031.
Desalination Technology
With freshwater supplies dwindling, desalination technology is becoming increasingly important. By removing salt and impurities from seawater, this technology can provide clean drinking water for millions. Desalination plants in countries like Israel, Maldives, and the UAE already supply much of their population’s water needs, and advancements are making this technology more energy-efficient.
Next-Generation Batteries
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, new technologies like solid-state and sodium-ion batteries promise lesser dependence on fossil fuels, higher energy efficiency, faster charging, and longer lifespans. These batteries are essential for supporting electric vehicles (EVs), grid energy storage, and even powering remote areas with renewable energy.
Companies like Tesla, QuantumScape, and CATL are working to bring affordable and efficient energy storage for public consumption.
Ocean Tech
Ocean technologies, including tidal energy systems, wave power generators, and underwater turbines, are tapping into the vast energy reserves of our seas. These innovations can provide clean, renewable energy to coastal communities.
In addition to energy production, ocean tech is being used to combat pollution and protect marine ecosystems. For example, AI-powered robotic systems like the Ocean Cleanup project are removing tons of plastic waste and other debris from the seas and preventing new plastic waste from reaching the oceans via rivers. Underwater drones monitor and restore coral reefs.
Reforestation Drones
Reforestation drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a game-changer for combating deforestation. These drones can plant thousands of trees daily, helping restore degraded landscapes and capture CO₂. The WWF estimates the earth is losing 27 footfall fields of forest per minute due to forestation leading to devastating effects on the planet’s climate. These drones that can plant more than 100 seeds per minute can re-green the earth quickly and efficiently.
Waste-to-Energy Technology
Waste-to-energy technology converts garbage into usable energy through processes like incineration and gasification. This not only reduces landfill waste but also provides an alternative source of energy.
The US Energy Information Administration reported that the U.S. generated over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste annually in 2018, of which only 12% was converted into steam and electricity. Apart from the US, many countries like Japan, South Korea, and some European countries have waste-to-energy plants.
Plastic Roads
Using plastic in the construction of roads solves two major problems: plastic waste and deteriorating infrastructure. By mixing recycled plastic with traditional asphalt, engineers create roads that are more durable and require less maintenance than traditional ones. This technology has already been implemented in countries like India, the Netherlands, and even parts of the U.S.
According to the University of Nevada, asphalt with recycled plastic paved roads can survive heavy truck traffic and extreme weather conditions. Out of 350 million metric tons of plastic waste generated per year globally, only 10% is recycled. The adoption of single-purpose plastic in the construction of roads can solve this problem to a huge extent.
Biodegradable Plastic
Traditional plastics can take centuries to break down. On the other hand, biodegradable plastics, a subset of bioplastics, are designed to break down quickly and safely in the environment, leaving no harmful residues behind, either through natural decomposition or industrial composting.
According to a Statista report, global demand for biodegradable plastics in 2023 was nearly six billion US dollars which is projected to grow threefold by 2032 to over eighteen billion US dollars. Products like compostable shopping bags and biodegradable utensils are already popular among eco-conscious consumers.
