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Climate change is a global issue that threatens ecosystems, economies, and people's lives. It needs urgent action. Solving it requires new ideas in technology, science, and policy. International Baccalaureate (IB) students have a unique opportunity to contribute to climate action by exploring research ideas in cutting-edge technologies. This blog explores five key research areas for IB students to make a meaningful impact.
Imagine a future where energy is harnessed from the sun, wind, and water, sustainably powering our homes and industries. Research into renewable energy technologies can bring us closer to this reality.
Solar Power: Explore the potential of thin-film solar cells or perovskite solar cells to increase efficiency and affordability. For instance, perovskite solar cells have shown a power conversion efficiency of 23.6%, outperforming traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Wind Energy: Investigate innovative wind turbine designs, such as vertical-axis turbines or offshore floating wind farms, which can increase energy generation while reducing environmental impact. The world's largest offshore wind farm, the Walney Extension in the UK, generates enough electricity to power 600,000 homes.
Hydroelectricity: Research emerging technologies in small-scale hydroelectric systems or kinetic energy turbines that harness the power of flowing water in rivers and streams with minimal environmental impact. In the mountains of Japan, small-scale hydroelectric systems provide clean energy to local communities.
Energy storage is crucial for the widespread adoption of renewable energy.
Battery Technologies: Investigate advancements in battery storage, such as lithium-air or solid-state batteries, which can efficiently store renewable energy. Electric vehicles have increased the demand for advanced battery technologies, with companies like Tesla pushing the boundaries of energy storage.
Pumped Hydro Storage: Explore the feasibility of pumped hydro storage systems, which use surplus renewable energy to pump water to higher elevations for later use in hydropower generation. This technology accounts for 95% of global energy storage capacity, highlighting its potential for large-scale deployment.
CCS technologies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources.
Direct Air Capture: Research innovative techniques for capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere using chemical processes or engineered materials. Climeworks, a Swiss company, has developed a direct air capture technology that can extract CO2 for $500 per ton, making large-scale deployment possible.
Carbon Mineralization: Research ways to turn captured CO2 into stable minerals through carbonation. This aids in long-term sequestration. The technology can potentially trap billions of tons of CO2 yearly, significantly helping combat climate change.
The transportation sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, making sustainable alternatives crucial.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Explore advancements in electric vehicle technology, including battery improvements, charging infrastructure development, and vehicle-to-grid integration to support widespread adoption. With over 50% of its car sales being electric, Norway is a model for EV adoption.
Alternative Fuels: Investigate biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, or synthetic fuels as sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels in the transportation sector, considering their environmental impact and scalability. Companies like Red Rock Biofuels are developing low-carbon biofuels that can power commercial airlines.
Agriculture contributes to and is a victim of climate change, making innovative farming practices essential.
Precision Farming: Research precision agriculture technologies, such as drones, sensors, and data analytics, to optimise resource use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance resilience to climate change. Precision farming has been shown to reduce water consumption by up to 20% and fertiliser use by up to 10%.
Carbon Farming: Look into methods like agroforestry, cover cropping, and rotational grazing. They store carbon in soil and plants, helping fight climate change and boost farming. The 4 per 1000 initiative, launched at the Paris Climate Agreement, aims to sequester three gigatons of CO2 annually through soil carbon storage.
The fight against climate change demands collaborative innovation and collective action. IB students have a unique opportunity to contribute to this global effort by exploring research ideas in innovative technologies. By advancing renewable energy, developing carbon capture technologies, and promoting sustainable agriculture and transportation, IB students can shape a more sustainable future for our planet.
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