Innovative climate technologies emerged as a highlight at this year’s climate summit in Belém, Brazil, despite adverse weather conditions. Engineers and researchers have unveiled several groundbreaking advancements that could significantly impact sustainability and environmental preservation. Here are the notable climate tech stories of 2025.
Advancements in Ammonia Production
A team led by researchers Richard Zare and Xiaowei Song has made significant strides in ammonia production, a vital component for agriculture and various industries. In January, contributor Alfred Poor reported on a pioneering device that harnesses wind energy to extract ammonia directly from the air. This passive technology operates without batteries, showcasing a sustainable method for generating this essential compound.
Innovative Solutions for Water Contamination
An innovative startup has developed a method using piezoelectric catalysts to tackle the persistent issue of “forever chemicals” contaminating waterways. As outlined by freelance contributor Rachel Berkowitz, traditional methods often rely on energy-intensive mechanical filtration. In contrast, this new approach leverages the kinetic energy of natural water flow, presenting a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
The application of this technology could significantly reduce the energy footprint associated with cleaning contaminated water, offering hope to communities affected by these harmful chemicals.
Transforming Electrical Grids with Supercritical CO2
In a significant engineering development, the first supercritical CO2 circuit breaker has been introduced, providing a safer alternative to traditional high-voltage circuit breakers that utilize sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Emily Waltz, the energy editor at IEEE Spectrum, highlighted how SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for approximately 1 percent of global warming as of 2018. By replacing SF6 with supercritical CO2, this new technology aims to mitigate environmental damage while maintaining electrical grid reliability.
The Challenge of Carbon Capture
Addressing the complexities of carbon capture, contributing editor W. Wayt Gibbs explored the necessary scale of carbon removal from the atmosphere in a recent piece for The Scale Issue. The accompanying infographic illustrates potential underground injection sites for CO2, current accomplishments in carbon capture, and the daunting challenges that remain. This research underscores the urgency of developing effective carbon management strategies to combat climate change.
Geopolitical Barriers to Mining Resources
The extraction of rare earth elements in Greenland, crucial for climate technologies, faces significant geopolitical hurdles. In a guest article, mining consultant Flemming Getreuer Christiansen, a former deputy director of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, emphasized that political clarity is essential for unlocking these valuable resources. Without addressing these governance issues, technological advancements may be limited.
In addition to these major stories, a poetic reflection by fiber-optic engineer and poet Steven Searcy offered a creative balance to the technical discussions. His piece, “A Sunday in August,” highlights the importance of integrating art and science, reminding readers of the beauty inherent in technological progress.
The innovations presented at the Belém summit reflect a dynamic intersection of technology and environmental stewardship. As the world grapples with climate change, these advancements demonstrate the potential for engineering and collaborative efforts to forge a more sustainable future.
