Technology, like any work tool of humanity, should have as its main objective guarantee the well-being of society, through innovation, knowledge and transparency. It is because of that develop climate technologiesthose with the potential to curb the impact of climate changeis more crucial than ever.
Perhaps when reading “climate technologies” you automatically thought of solar panels or electric cars. However, that is not all that environmentally focused innovation encompasses.
To prove it to you, in this article we will explore the different types of climate technologies that existas well as some innovative examples that are shaking up industries and governments.
What are climate technologies?
We understand “climate technology” as everything technique or tool specifically designed to contribute to the reducing the impact of climate changeAlthough the most common objective of this type of technology is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, its applications are increasingly diverse and can be grouped into three large groups, according to the approach that characterizes them:
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Mitigation and emissions reduction
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Adaptation to the effects of climate change
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Awareness on the environmental crisis
The urgency to implement technologies not only conscious but also forceful against the climate crisis has translated into important investments by governments and some sectors of private initiative. This has been achieved through the Special Purpose Acquisition Companiescompanies specifically designed to finance the development of climate technologies.
Now, we will present you some examples of climate technologies which have stood out in recent years as essential forms of innovation to combat the environmental crisis.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
This technology aims to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Its process consists of capturing emissions before they are released into the atmosphere, and storing them underground or underwater.
Thanks to its effectiveness and safety, the CAC technique has gained a lot of popularity recently. So much so that organizations like the International Energy Association (IEA) has stated that, To achieve global climate goals, around 28 billion metric tons of CO2 will need to be captured before the year 2060.
Energy efficiency
Roughly, energy efficiency is defined as the optimization of energy consumption to achieve functional levelswhich allow us to serve a group of people, from a home to an entire nation.
This type of climate technology is probably one of the most popular and with good reason, since it is estimated that, for users like you and me, can reduce both energy and economic costs. It consists of the incorporation of tools like the following:
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Smart Thermostats: They use machine learning algorithms that monitor users’ consumption habits and, based on this, adjust the temperature so that the ventilation and heating systems are only used when necessary.
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LED lighting: These are an excellent alternative to incandescent bulbs, as they use up to 80% less energy and produce the same amount of light; Likewise, they last longer so, in the long term, fewer bulbs need to be purchased, which also represents financial savings.
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Energy management systems: They allow companies and users to track and manage, so that they can identify areas in which they can save energy and reduce expenses.
For a government, implement policies to make energy efficient is extremely crucial, as it allows, among other things, guarantee the supply and security of energy for the entire population.
On a smaller scale, such as in your own home, energy efficiency helps you reduce your electricity bills and even prevent power outages.
Renewable energy
The renewable energies They come from natural means such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydraulic energy.. As its name indicates, coming from natural sources, this type of energy can be replenished and used continuously and more efficiently than non-renewable ones.
Unlike energy produced by burning fossil fuels, Renewable energies produce much fewer polluting emissions and, in many countries, they are often cheaper to produce. Climate technologies for energy from renewable sources are often presented in media such as:
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Solar panels: They have a useful life of approximately 30 years.
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Wind turbines: the technical potential of wind energy is greater than the global production of electrical energy.
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Geothermal energy: It consists of the generation of electricity through geothermal deposits and has been operating successfully for more than 100 years.
Environmental engineering and climate technologies
If we take a step back, we will realize that in order to continue developing the technology and innovation needed to combat climate change, education must also offer programs that have the environment as a priority. This is where Environmental Engineering at the Anáhuac Querétaro University has a central role.
Complex problems require equally complex and systematic solutions, which is why this program stands out throughout Mexico for integrating five main thematic axes: energy, the environment, sustainability, the social and economic environment.
In this way, Environmental Engineering students are able to not only fully understand the climate crisis, but also to propose inventive projects that attack this problem at its roots. Thanks to the solid training that they receive at Anáhuac Querétaro, each graduate can stand out in one of these sectors:
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Public and private organizations that develop projects to study the impact of climate change.
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Companies developing climate technologies to curb the effects of the crisis.
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Consultants who advise other organizations on best practices to reduce their climate footprint.
Let’s not let the overwhelming nature of the environmental crisis paralyze us and let’s organize ourselves to achieve a better world. By studying a career committed to stopping climate change such as Environmental Engineering, you can be part of the necessary difference.
Don’t wait any longer and Contact us to learn more about this career at Universidad Anáhuac Querétaro and join us; we work for today and tomorrow.
