Climate Change Mitigation Through Technological Advancements is pivotal for combating the climate crisis. The year 2024 is projected to be the hottest on record, pushing humanity's battle against climate collapse to the forefront of global discussions.
With average temperatures already expected to reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, the urgency for effective and innovative solutions to mitigate climate change grows ever more pressing. Amid this crisis, companies like Mission Zero, a startup based in London, are spearheading efforts to reshape how direct air capture (DAC) technology works. This technology aims to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, as opposed to capturing emissions produced during fossil fuel combustion.
According to Nicholas Chadwick, co-founder and CEO of Mission Zero, DAC is seen as critically important for stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels. "If you can find ways to utilise CO2, then you can actually change the narrative on..." he stated. The company aims to develop commercial pathways for DAC technology, which they believe is necessary to meet targets established by the Paris Agreement.
Founded in June 2020, Mission Zero focuses on high-efficiency methods for extracting CO2. Following their £21.8 million Series A funding round, with notable investors such as Bill Gates, they are determined to prove DAC can be economically beneficial. The unique approach involves electrodialysis to extract CO2 from the solvent they’ve developed, rather than relying on energy-intensive heat. "We’re able to selectively extract and regenerate the CO2 using just electricity," Chadwick explained, emphasizing the efficiency gained from using electricity rather than thermal energy.
Currently, Mission Zero has operations underway at several sites. At the University of Sheffield's Translational Energy Research Centre, the company is involved with the UK’s first commercial DAC plant, which is set to pull 50 tonnes of CO2 annually. Another example is OCO Technology, located in Norfolk, which uses CO2 captured by Mission Zero to produce carbon-negative materials for construction, extracting approximately 250 tonnes of CO2 per year. Meanwhile, Canadian firm Deep Sky employs Mission Zero’s technology to sequester CO2 permanently.
On another front, environmental monitoring satellites are gaining support as revolutionary tools for climate action. At COP29, held from November 11-22, 2024, world leaders and climate scientists convened to discuss innovative solutions. Beth Greenway, head of earth observation for the UK Space Agency, highlighted how these satellites are central to monitoring climate change and gathering data.
Satellites utilize remote sensing technologies to analyze climate variables through electromagnetic radiation. Over 50% of climate variables can only be observed from space, making these technologies instrumental for climate data collection. Greenway stressed the need for investment to improve satellite capabilities, particularly focusing on reliable components.
Mechanics like motors, which underpin satellite operation, must endure extreme conditions ranging from violent vibrations during launch to temperature fluctuations from -150°C to 150°C once operational. Dave Walsha points out how stepper motors, which allow for precise control, are especially suited for satellites tasked with climate monitoring. "Stepper motors provide high torque at low speeds... even under harsh space conditions," he noted.
Yet technology alone isn't enough. The urgency imposed by climate change calls for collective action across diverse sectors. Mark Johnson, co-founder of Denver-based Civitas, emphasized the necessity of integrating more nature-based solutions within urban environments. He shared examples like urban tree planting initiatives and green infrastructure projects, demonstrating their efficacy at protecting communities and enhancing resilience against climate pressures.
Initiatives like San Francisco’s Urban Forest Plan and Detroit's Greening of Detroit program exemplify how cities can draw down greenhouse gases through strategic urban forestry. Johnson urges professionals and businesses to re-evaluate their practices and find options aligned with climate resilience, stating, "We must all act today to protect our communities, our neighbors and ourselves."
Culminatively, both the function of DAC technology and environmental monitoring satellites represent hope—and solutions—amid the climate disruption we face. If we learn to innovate and adapt our technology and strategies effectively, there is still potential to reshape our fate against climate change. "There's no question action is required now, and we must pursue it through every avenue we can," Johnson concluded firmly.