World Economic Forum Highlights 10 Emerging Technologies to Accelerate Climate Action

The report underscores the urgent need for scalable solutions as global temperatures in 2024 remained 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with projections warning of a potential 3°C increase by 2100. While many technologies already exist, their widespread adoption is constrained by insufficient investment, policy frameworks, infrastructure, and public awareness.

“The urgent realities of climate change are clear, but what is less visible are the technologies already available and how they can be used in new ways to deliver solutions,” said Jeremy Jurgens, WEF Managing Director. “This research provides global leaders with the foresight they need to act at the necessary speed and scale.”

Key technological solutions

The report highlights practical innovations addressing pressing global challenges:

• Regenerative desalination: Combines advanced membranes with renewable energy to provide freshwater with far less energy, offering solutions for arid regions like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. Pilot projects in Italy and Canada demonstrate scalability.

• Modular geothermal energy: Factory-built systems provide round-the-clock renewable electricity, supporting vulnerable communities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Each technology in the report was evaluated based on expert nominations, AI trend analysis, peer assessment, and adoption feasibility, emphasizing novelty, depth, and societal benefit.

The 10 Emerging Technology Solutions

1. Precision fermentation – Produces animal-free proteins, reducing water use, energy demand, and methane emissions from livestock.

2. Green ammonia production – Cleaner, energy-efficient methods for fertilizer and shipping fuels, reducing emissions and pollution.

3. Automated food waste upcycling – Advanced sorting systems convert food waste into compost, feed, or new products.

4. Methane capture and utilization – Detects and captures methane leaks from farms, landfills, and industry.

5. Green concrete – Uses recycled materials and carbon-locking techniques to reduce construction emissions.

6. Next-generation bi-directional charging – Enables electricity flow into and out of batteries, stabilizing grids via EVs or homes.

7. Timely earth observation – Satellites and sensors provide real-time data on floods, droughts, and deforestation.

8. Modular geothermal energy – Delivers reliable renewable power almost anywhere with smaller factory-built systems.

9. Regenerative desalination – Produces clean water sustainably for arid regions with far lower energy use.

10. Soil health technology convergence – Uses sensors, microbes, and AI to restore degraded soils, enhance carbon storage, and boost food production.

Frederick Fenter, Chief Executive Editor at Frontiers, emphasized, “While no single technology is a silver bullet, together they can help us bend the curve towards a healthier planet and a sustainable future for all.”

Broader context

The report accompanies the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils and the Annual Meeting on Cyber Security 2025, convening over 500 experts from business, government, academia, and civil society in Dubai. Discussions aim to integrate insights into WEF’s 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos, guiding innovation and climate action in the Intelligent Age.