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Global warming is rarely synonymous with good news. The increase in climate-related disasters is a case in point.
So when good news arrives, it's important to share it.
Traace's main mission is to enable companies to reduce their emissions and take concrete action for the climate. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of some of the most promising innovative solutions being developed by researchers and entrepreneurs around the world, based on scientific knowledge, in an attempt to solve the major problem of our century.
So, of course, this doesn't change the fact that the number 1 priority remains to set up a carbon trajectory that will drastically reduce our emissions. But it's encouraging to see the proliferation of climate technology projects in all sectors of activity.
In any case, you'll see that human beings have no shortage of creativity!
Climeworks: Filtering air to capture CO2
One of the technologies attracting the most research attention is the so-called "CCS" (Carbon Capture and Storage) technique.
As the name suggests, it extracts carbon from the air. This technology can be applied to a number of different applications:
- For example, it can be implemented in a coal-fired power plant, where the CO2 generated by its combustion is captured before it is extracted. This is known as PSC "Post-Combustion".
- Ambient air can also be "filtered" to recover CO2. This is known as "direct air filter" technology. This is what the Swiss company Climeworks does.
Climeworks has developed a technology (which can be used both outdoors and in factories) capable of extracting CO2 by projecting ambient air onto a "filter", then heating it. The captured CO2 can then be sold to "fertilize" greenhouse plants, produce agrofuels or carbonate beverages.
Carbfix: Turning CO2 into stone
Launched by a team of Icelandic scientists in 2007, Carbfix involves sequestering CO2 by reacting it with basaltic rocks.
Initially developed to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from the Hellisheidi power plant in Iceland, the project has since gained international renown as a true breakthrough technology for carbon sequestration. Scientists from Iceland, France and the United States are now working together on this new technology, which is largely subsidized by the European Union.
How does it work?
The technology involves recovering carbon dioxide from the Hengill volcano, where the plant is located.
Pipelines transport the vaporized CO2 to the famous dome-shaped buildings. It is in these domes that the carbon dioxide is dissolved in large quantities of water.
The result is a mixture of water and carbon dioxide, which is injected into the basalt rock at depth. Mixed with water, the carbon dioxide becomes embedded in the highly porous structure of the basalt. Finally, under the effect of a chemical reaction, the CO2 congeals in the form of white crystals.
The main drawback to the deployment of this technology is the high water demand of the process. As a result, the Carbfix team is now working on a water recycling process, which could enable the technology to be deployed in countries with more limited water resources than Iceland.
Mootral: Food supplements... for cows
In talking so much about carbon dioxide, we tend to forget that a second gas is strongly implicated in climate change: methane. Reducing its emissions is a major challenge for climate action.
Despite its relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere (10 years), methane has a major impact, as its global warming "potential" is 28 times greater than that of CO2. Today, it is mainly emitted by agriculture and waste.
And it's precisely to reduce these methane emissions that Mootral, a Swiss company, has developed a feed supplement for ruminants.
A product that can reduce cattle emissions by up to 30%, paving the way for a sustainable agri-food industry.
Mootral was voted one of the 12 most impactful "Climate" startups, and raised nearly €8m to deploy its solution.
CarbonCure: The company that injects CO2 into concrete
CarbonCure is a British company that recovers carbon dioxide emissions to make an environmentally-friendly reinforcing agent for concrete.
The process involves injecting liquefied CO2 into a concrete mixture and reacting it with calcium ions and water to produce limestone.
Even better: the reinforcing agent gives the concrete a longer lifespan, thus offsetting the additional costs associated with carbon injection. A first in the sustainable building sector.
Good news for them: they've just won the Carbon XPrize Competition, with a handsome prize of $20m to invest in their company...
PS: You'll notice that their site's headline is relatively close to Mootral's... Who copied who? We'll never know.
GHGSat: the satellite that monitors methane emissions
For this latest innovation, we return to the subject of methane, but with a subject less down-to-earth than Mootral.
GHGSat is a Quebec-based company developing a satellite capable of detecting methane emissions. Their technology is used by industrial companies (Oil & Gas, Waste Management, etc...) to understand and measure methane emissions linked to their activity.
They are also developing a sensor for aircraft, which will be able to detect methane emissions with an accuracy of one meter!
BONUS: 5 solutions you can apply at home to combat global warming
While the vast majority of GHG emissions are due to business activity, in the face of the climate emergency, every gesture counts, and certain individual actions can have a considerable impact. Here are five concrete solutions and actions to combat global warming that you can implement today to reduce your carbon footprint while inspiring those around you.
Use more renewable energies
Adopting renewable energies at home is more accessible than ever. Installing solar panels or subscribing to a green energy supplier can help you reduce your use of fossil fuel-based energy. Even if you can't produce your own electricity, many suppliers offer certified 100% renewable energy. A simple administrative step can turn your energy consumption into a lever for the climate.
Start renovating your home for energy efficiency
Reducing energy loss in your home is a sustainable and cost-effective action. Good thermal insulation, replacing windows or installing more efficient heating, such as a heat pump, can considerably reduce your bills and emissions by making your home a low-energy home. Numerous financial aids are available for this work, making the transition more affordable. Every degree gained without over-consumption is a victory for the planet.
Make your mobility more sustainable
As part of our lifestyles, travel accounts for a significant proportion of our carbon footprint, and emissions have been rising sharply for several years now. Adopt less polluting modes of transport: give preference to cycling, walking or public transport for short journeys. If you must drive, consider an electric or hybrid car. Finally, reduce your air travel, which has a high carbon impact, and opt for the train, a much more environmentally-friendly alternative.
Recycle, reuse and reduce
The circular economy starts at home. Sort your waste to maximize recycling, and limit single-use products in favor of sustainable alternatives (water bottles, reusable bags, etc.). Adopt the reflex of repairing before throwing away: clothes with holes in them and faulty electronic equipment can often be saved. Reducing your consumption by buying less, but better, is both ecological and economical.
Switch to a more plant-based diet
Intensive livestock farming and meat production are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your consumption of meat, especially beef and lamb, is a powerful gesture for the climate. Introduce more vegetarian meals into your week, and explore protein-rich alternatives such as legumes, tofu or nuts. Not only is this diet good for the planet, it's also better for your health.
That's it! And if you'd like to discover another promising carbon innovation, feel free to browse our site 🙂 Traace offers a solution enabling companies to accurately measure their GHG emissions, identify the best decarbonization levers, set up a solid carbon trajectory and finally estimate the costs and benefits. A concrete solution to the climate crisis.
Do you have any innovations in mind that you'd like to share? Please let us know at contact@traace.co
