Page 23 - Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

1. Introduction

Frontier technologies are new, cutting-edge and innovative technologies. Frontier technologies
fundamentally change the way we operate. They constantly collect data and information to create
a shorter feedback loop that could, in theory, enable better decision-making overtime. This report
34
explores the vast potential of frontier technologies to help assess, mitigate and adapt to climate
change. Leveraging these technologies to address climate change represents a significant opportunity
to accelerate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – in particular, SDG 13: ‘Take
urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.’

Frontier technologies are helping to address climate change, drive sustainability and environmental
resilience, and empower citizens all over the globe. New technologies are already enhancing the
well-being of many by allowing, for instance, greater access to medicine, improving communication
and connectivity through the proliferation of mobile technologies, and making financial services
more inclusive and accessible to millions in developing countries through innovative digital financial
mechanisms. This report explores the applications of frontier technologies within the context of
35
climate change and response.

The applicability of frontier technologies is examined at the city or local level and – where possible -
through the lens of smart sustainable cities. Local experiences and outcomes can often serve as use
cases for solutions that can, subsequently, be scaled up to regional, national and international levels.
Each city’s case study focuses on a particular frontier technology and its successful implementation
within the city, in order to provide for a thorough exploration of each frontier technology highlighted.
Since cities and urban areas are the biggest drivers of, and most affected by, climate change, it is
appropriate to emphasize the role of frontier technologies in cities.

Some observers have noted that the use of technology and data have the potential to reinforce
inequalities, which is further compounded by climate change. Aspects related to the affordability of and
36
access to frontier technologies remain of particular concern and will be explored briefly in the report.
37
It is hoped that the report and its conclusions will serve to further explore the application of frontier
technologies to combat climate change at the local level. The authors also aim to highlight specific
literature, frameworks, standards and programmes developed by UN bodies that aim to foster
successful achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These highlights will be
interwoven within the following sections.

17