Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing mankind today.
The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has led to global warming, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and a multitude of ecological disruptions.
The urgency to address this crisis calls for innovative and transformative solutions that can mitigate the impacts and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field that holds the potential to revolutionise the way we combat the growing issue.
Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the nanoscale, where materials exhibit unique properties that can be harnessed for various applications.
So, how can this be deployed in the fight against climate change?
One of the most significant contributions of nanotechnology to climate change mitigation lies in clean energy production. Nanoscale materials and structures can significantly enhance the efficiency of renewable energy technologies such as solar cells and fuel cells.
In 2009, Broadband Solar, a startup spun out of Stanford University, started developing coatings that increase the amount of light solar cells can absorb, increasing their efficiency.
The technology can also facilitate the production of cost-effective and efficient hydrogen fuel cells, offering an alternative to fossil fuels for energy generation.
A report by Research and Markets claims nanotechnology in energy applications is valued at $9.3 billion and is set to grow at a CAGR of 15% by 2028.
The report adds: “Key drivers for the growth of the market for nanotechnology in energy applications over the forecast period are the strong shift in trend toward energy security applications of nanotechnology in fuel cells and developing transport infrastructure.
“Nanomaterials offer opportunities for mitigating environmental challenges in the energy sector.”
Additionally, nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and power plants.
Functionalised nanomaterials can selectively capture CO2, providing a potential pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from major sources.
It can also aid in the development of advanced materials for carbon storage, ensuring that captured CO2 is safely stored and does not re-enter the atmosphere.
Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, impacting food production and security.
Nanoscale delivery systems for fertilizers and pesticides can enhance nutrient uptake and reduce the amount of chemicals released into the environment. Sensors using the technology can also monitor soil health and optimise irrigation, leading to more efficient water usage in farming.
With the potential benefits, there are negative factors that should be considered.
As with any emerging technology, nanotechnology raises environmental and health concerns. Releasing nanomaterials into the environment may have unintended consequences on ecosystems and human health.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated, “The properties of nanomaterials, and of engineered nanoparticles in particular, have raised concern about unwanted or unexpected interactions with biological systems, which could result in adverse consequences to human and ecosystem health.”
The Research and Markets report warns: “While nanotechnology offers immense potential for the energy sector, there are some challenges that need to be addressed for its successful implementation.
“The potential health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials are a significant concern.
“It is essential to understand and mitigate any risks associated with the production, use, and disposal of nanomaterials in the energy sector. Robust safety standards, regulations, and responsible manufacturing practices are necessary to address these concerns.”
The production and synthesis of nanomaterials can also be energy and resource-intensive processes. This raises questions about the overall sustainability of nanotechnology itself.
Ensuring that the benefits of nanotech solutions outweigh their environmental impacts is essential for their successful integration into mitigation efforts.
Additionally, ethical considerations regarding the equitable distribution of solutions should be taken into account to ensure that climate change mitigation efforts benefit all communities, including those disproportionately affected by the impacts of the crisis.
The increasing use of nanomaterials in various applications can lead to the generation of nanowaste. Proper disposal and management of nanowaste is crucial to prevent any potential adverse effects on the environment and human health.
And the particles that don’t find their way to waste disposal can find their way into soil and wildlife. BMC Health has found “the toxic effects of nanoparticles to include production of oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, cell death, and induction of inflammatory responses”.
Written by Chris Britcher
