IB Environmental systems and societies 6.3C Technology to Aid Mitigation of Climate Change Notes

Why Technology Matters for Mitigation: Cutting Emissions Where Cities Concentrate Them

1. Mitigation technology reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by making energy use more efficient, integrating renewables, and cleaning up industry.
2. Over half the global population lives in urban areas, rising toward 70% by 2050.
   1. Cities therefore produce most global emissions, so urban technology is where mitigation delivers the biggest gains.
3. This article covers four technology families: smart cities, smart grids, low-carbon transport, and carbon capture.
   1. The broader mitigation and adaptation strategy that these tools serve is covered in 6.3A.

Smart Cities: Data-Driven Systems That Trim Urban Emissions

1. A smart city uses digital tools such as sensors, the Internet of Things, and real-time data to run services more efficiently and cut emissions.
2. These systems gather data from buildings, roads, energy grids, transport, waste, and households, then adjust services to reduce waste and pollution.
3. They target the highest-emitting urban sectors: transport, electricity, waste, and buildings.

Applications of Smart-City Technology

1. Real-time public-transport apps cut private car use by optimising bus and train routes.
2. Traffic-flow sensors lower fuel use by easing congestion.
3. Smart parking systems guide drivers to the nearest space, cutting idling.
4. Recycling-guidance apps raise recycling rates and reduce waste emissions.
5. Energy-use dashboards help households monitor and lower their electricity use.
6. Smart appliance scheduling runs devices such as washing machines and EV chargers when renewable supply is highest.
7. Smart waste collection optimises truck routes, cutting vehicle emissions.

Smart Grids: Matching Clean Supply to Demand in Real Time