6.3C Technology to aid mitigation of climate change (HL) Notes

Why Technology Matters for Mitigation

1. Technology plays a central role in climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, removing carbon from the atmosphere, improving resource efficiency, and changing how cities operate.
2. Over 50% of the global population lives in urban areas, and this is projected to increase to ~70% by 2050. Urban areas therefore produce the majority of global emissions, making technology-based urban solutions essential.
3. Climate-mitigation technologies include smart-city systems, low-carbon transport, smart grids, carbon-capture systems, energy-monitoring technologies, and emerging battery innovations.

Smart Cities: Socially Embedded Mitigation Technologies

1. A smart city uses digital technologies (sensors, Internet of Things, software, real-time data) to improve efficiency, manage resources sustainably, and lower emissions.
2. Smart-city systems collect data from buildings, roads, energy grids, transport networks, waste systems, and consumers, then adjust services to reduce waste and pollution.
3. Smart cities help reduce emissions in the sectors responsible for the most GHG output: transport, electricity production, waste, and buildings.

Applications of Smart-City Technology for Mitigation

1. Real-time public transport apps reduce private car use by optimizing bus and train routes.
2. Sensors for traffic flow lower fuel consumption by reducing congestion.
3. Smart parking systems direct drivers to the nearest spot, reducing time spent idling.
4. Apps guiding citizens to recycling centers increase recycling rates and reduce waste emissions.
5. Integrated energy-use dashboards help households monitor and reduce electricity consumption.
6. Smart appliance scheduling (washing machines, EV charging) allows devices to run when renewable electricity availability is highest.
7. Smart waste-management systems optimize collection routes, reducing vehicle emissions.

Smart Grids

1. A smart grid is an electricity distribution network that uses digital technology, automation, smart meters, and sensors to balance energy supply and demand efficiently.
2. Smart grids can automatically detect faults, reroute electricity, prevent blackouts, and integrate renewable power more smoothly.

How Smart Grids Mitigate Climate Change

1. Improve energy efficiency by reducing transmission losses.
2. Reduce reliance on fossil-fuel power plants by integrating solar and wind more effectively.
3. Support electric-vehicle infrastructure by enabling flexible charging schedules.
4. Lower consumer demand during peak hours through dynamic pricing and real-time energy-use feedback.
5. Ensure grid stability even with intermittent renewables.

Low-Carbon Transport & Battery Innovations

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

1. EVs reduce emissions by replacing fossil-fuel combustion with electricity, which can be sourced from renewables.
2. EV growth lowers demand for oil, reduces urban air pollution, and shifts transportation toward low-carbon pathways.
3. Challenges:
   1. E-waste from lithium-ion batteries
   2. Mining impacts (lithium, cobalt)
   3. Limited charging infrastructure
   4. High upfront cost

2. Hydrogen Fuel Cells & Metal Hydride Batteries

1. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through electrochemical reactions, emitting only water vapor.
2. They have high energy density, making them suitable for heavy vehicles and industrial transport.
3. Emerging metal-hydride batteries offer long lifespans and higher efficiency with lower environmental impact.

Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS)

1. Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) refers to technologies that capture CO₂ from industrial sources or directly from the air and store it underground or use it in manufacturing.
2. CCUS is crucial for hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as cement, steel, and fossil-fuel power plants.

Integration: How Technology Improves Mitigation Outcomes

1. Technology helps societies meet emission-reduction targets while maintaining economic growth.
2. Provides high precision, automation, and data-based decision-making.
3. Enables cities to shift toward renewables, low-carbon mobility, and efficient urban management.
4. Accelerates industry transition to cleaner production, circular systems, and smart energy.

Limitations of Technological Solutions

1. High initial cost for infrastructure
2. Digital divide between MEDCs and LEDCs
3. Risk of rebound effects (greater efficiency → increased consumption)
4. Dependence on stable internet and electricity
5. Need for skilled operators and maintenance staff