By Rishab Raturi and Shanar Tabrizi, WIPO

A fresh wave of optimism emerged in international climate negotiations, with UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell marking the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) as the “beginning of the end” for the fossil fuel era. While these developments signal a renewed commitment from nations around the world to tackle climate change, much more needs to be done. As we strive to balance economic development with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the critical question is how to effectively raise ambitions in the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and how to channel every tool we have at our disposal to implement them.

This requires a thoughtful approach for a just energy transition, while managing our material and energy consumption in a manner that serves both people and the planet. Technology and innovation are fundamental for bridging policy and action. Of the 190 countries that submitted their initial pledges as part of their intended nationally determined contributions (iNDCs), more than 75% mentioned technology, with small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) raising the theme in relation to the need for support, research and development (R&D), and finance more often.

As countries prepare their next round of NDCs, policymakers have the opportunity to drive the adoption and scaling of solutions that can make a significant difference in our climate change mitigation efforts. This may require a shift in thinking in terms of how we identify and prioritize technologies.

The need for a shift in perspective

In the industry sector, there is no doubt that cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and green hydrogen are integral for long-term climate action, as is evident from their recognition by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). However, their slow rate of implementation highlights the need for a more inclusive approach that also embraces simpler, more readily deployable technologies. For example, while CCS technologies receive considerable attention and investment, their impact has been limited, particularly in major steel and cement producing nations.

Likewise, while electrification of steel via electric arc furnaces (EAFs) has come a long way in certain countries, we are nowhere near scaling cement electrification. At the same time, demand for steel and cement is expected to grow in the face of urbanization and countries’ economic growth. This suggests that a focus on improving supply and production processes alone is insufficient without parallel efforts to enhance material efficiency and reduce overall demand.

As such, broadening the scope of climate solutions considered in countries’ national and sub-national climate plans would go further in terms of ensuring long-term and sustained climate impact. Technologies that could support such demand management include innovations that enable material substitution and reduce the clinker-to-cement ratio, digital tools that help avoid the overuse of steel and cement in buildings, as well as the use of prefabricated components to avoid waste in production processes.

Simplicity in technological solutions

Indeed, investments in complex, cutting-edge technologies often overshadow the efficacy of simpler solutions that can be equally impactful if scaled. There is a compelling case for re-evaluating the benefits of traditional methods adapted for contemporary challenges. For instance, passive design in buildings, inspired by ancient vernacular architecture, can help improve thermal comfort and reduce dependence on air conditioners.

Simple technologies often benefit from lower implementation costs, quicker deployment, and broader applicability, making them invaluable in the rapid response required for climate action. Further, they can be adapted and enhanced with the integration of digital technologies. The integration of digital tools for traffic management, for example, illustrates how relatively straightforward applications of technology can lead to substantial gains in efficiency and sustainability. These tools enable cities to design more compact, efficient, and less resource-intensive urban environments without the need for extensive new infrastructure.

Mapping low-tech solutions in WIPO’s Green Technology Book

Innovation is taking place at a rapid pace, in a diverse global landscape of climate technology providers. One barrier to leveraging the full potential of technology in the development and implementation of NDCs is lack of awareness of available solutions. The World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Green Technology Book aims to address this barrier. To date, more than 700 climate technologies have been mapped in the accompanying digital database. Particular attention is paid to balancing complex and high-tech solutions with low-tech and accessible options, guided by the idea that the best technology is the one that works in a particular context.

For instance, a solar heating system uses dark-colored metal cladding on the south side of buildings to capture and use solar energy. This system warms air by up to 22°C above the outside temperature and efficiently converts 80% of solar energy into usable heat. Similarly, traditional building methods in sub-Saharan Africa use earth bricks to construct homes, called Nubian Vaults, that naturally stay cooler by merging age-old practices with modern environmental goals such as reducing use of timber and construction minerals. Another approach includes a modular passive cooling system for outdoor use that incorporates water features and evaporative cooling to reduce the need for electrical air conditioning.

Existing solutions central to combating climate change

As highlighted by the IPCC, substantially reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requires significant changes to our investments, policies, and behaviors. No sector can achieve its climate goals without applying a combination of new and existing technologies and practices.

Previous rounds of NDCs have revealed a concerning gap between current commitments and the necessary measures to constrain global warming to the limits set by the Paris Agreement. Raising ambition in forthcoming NDC submissions is crucial for putting the world on a trajectory that aligns with ambitious temperature goals. Among other things, this entails prioritization of technology needs for countries, and strong support for finance, research, and development of innovative solutions. 

By balancing the drive for innovation with the practicalities of current technologies and addressing both supply- and demand-side measures, we can ensure that our approach to climate change mitigation is both inclusive and effective. In doing so, technology serves as a tool for transition.

* * *

Rishab Raturi is Associate Program Officer and Shanar Tabrizi is Climate Technology Expert at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).