Nature Tech, a burgeoning field that merges the wisdom of nature with cutting-edge technology, promises transformative solutions for environmental sustainability, conservation, and nature restoration.
Nature in Crisis: The Need for Innovation
Modern industrial practices have wreaked havoc on the environment, depleting resources and degrading ecosystems. Overreliance on fossil fuels, rampant deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction have pushed Earth's ecosystems to the brink. As the global population surges, the demand for resources intensifies, exacerbating these issues.
Ignoring environmental problems has led to dire consequences such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, threatening both wildlife and human health. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, food shortages, and water scarcity are direct results of environmental mismanagement. The scale of the crisis is staggering: one million species face extinction, half of our forests have vanished, and nearly half of our ecosystems are in decline!
Meanwhile, nature is a big business. The World Economic Forum identifies biodiversity loss and ecosystems collapse as one of the top risks humanity will face in the next decade, since over half of the World´s GDP is dependent on nature and it´s services. Pollination, water quality and disease control are just three examples of the services that ecosystems can provide.
The image below shows that intensified conservation efforts alone are not enough to reverse this curve of biodiversity loss, fortify ecosystems and climate change. We need substantial and swift transformations, and this is where Nature Tech takes centre stage.
This famous study published in Nature in 2020 showed that increased efforts are required to prevent further losses to terrestrial biodiversity and the ecosystem services that it provides. Ambitious targets have been proposed, such as reversing the declining trends in biodiversity; however, just feeding the growing human population will make this a challenge.
Source: Adam Islaam, IIASAhttps://iiasa.ac.at/news/sep-2020/bending-curve-of-biodiversity-loss)
Nature Tech: Merging Innovation with Nature
It might seem contradictory: nature and technology have typically been opposing forces. Historically, nature has often been overwhelmed by the relentless advance of technology, from factories and vehicles polluting air and water and harming ecosystems, to industrial logging and land development causing widespread destruction of forests.
However, Nature Tech encompasses technologies that accelerate the implementation of nature-positive or sustainability solutions at scale. Traditional approaches to tackling environmental problems often fall short due to their reactive nature and lack of innovation needed to keep pace with rapidly evolving environmental challenges. Nature Tech addresses these gaps, offering proactive and scalable solutions.
The Nature Tech Boom
The State of Nature Tech, Report published in 2023 by MRV, Serene and Nature4Climate, revealed that in the previous five years, from 2018 to 2022, the accumulated amount of Venture Capital (VC) investments in Nature Tech startups amounted to a staggering US$7.5 billion. It goes on to report significant growth in Climate Tech start-ups with VC investments having risen sharply over the past decade, and now valued at more than US$40 billion. New business models are emerging, and it is difficult to predict the outcome. Solution providers are rapidly entering the market – creating competition that will ultimately drive down costs.
Here are some exciting examples:
1. Satellite Monitoring for Natural Capital
Satellite technology provides comprehensive, real-time data on environmental parameters. Platforms like Natural Value Performance (NVP) transform satellite data from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Earth observation into actionable ecosystem service indicators. This aids in detecting illegal activities, supporting carbon sequestration and nature restoration verification, and facilitating informed decisions about conservation and natural resource management.
Satellite imaging, combined with remote sensing and sophisticated algorithms can calculate impacts on nature in near real-time anywhere in the world.
2. Biodiversity Monitoring with eDNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a non-invasive method for studying biodiversity. Companies like SGS Global Biosciences Center use eDNA to detect rare species, providing a comprehensive view of ecosystems without extensive field surveys. This innovation saves time and resources while enabling rapid conservation actions.
eDNA is revolutionising biodiversity monitoring, allowing for early detection of invasive species and guiding conservation efforts with minimal disturbance to wildlife and habitats.
3. Ecosystem Simulation with Digital Twins
Digital twins create virtual models of ecosystems, integrating data from sensors for real-time insights. These models simulate scenarios such as climate impacts and human activities, aiding sustainable land use planning and resource management. Northwest Management, for instance, uses digital twins to monitor forest biodiversity and health.
Source: LiDAR + ForestView® (northwestmanagement.com
Digital twins are revolutionising forest management and conservation efforts, allowing real-time decision-making to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health.
4. Transparent Nature Accounting with Blockchain
Blockchain technology enhances transparency and trust in nature accounting. Platforms like CARBONX use blockchain to ensure accurate tracking of carbon credits, preventing fraud and double-counting. This creates a secure marketplace for carbon offset projects.
5. Drone Technology for Reforestation
Drones equipped with seed pods enable rapid reforestation in hard-to-reach areas. Companies like BioCarbon Engineering use drones to plant trees efficiently, restoring ecosystems and increasing biodiversity.
Natural and anthropogenic causes destroy 26 billion trees each year and BioCarbon Engineering believes that industrial scale deforestation can only be tackled with industrial scale reforestation. Source: https://geoinnova.org/blog-territorio/biocarbon-reforestacion-mediante-drones/
6. Sustainable Textiles with Bio-based Polymers
The textile industry is embracing nature tech through biodegradable fabrics, plant-based dyes, and closed-loop recycling systems. Initiatives like Textile of the Future leverage digital transformation to enhance sustainability in textile operations.
7. Sustainability Reporting with Advanced Technologies
Detailed sustainability reporting holds companies accountable for their environmental impact. Platforms under development by Data CoLAB are using technologies such as AI to gather, verify, and forecast data, ensuring accurate and transparent reporting.
8. Connecting Nature's Markets with Mobile Applications
Mobile apps like MyFarmTrees connect small-scale farmers with funding for restoration projects. Blockchain technology ensures transparent verification and efficient payment transfers, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices.
Increased implementation of science-based forest and landscape restoration by local community actors, will benefit land, water, climate, biodiversity and people.
Adopting these advancements is imperative. Nature protection and restoration play significant roles in our ability to combat climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that we must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This urgency underscores the need for integrating Nature Tech into our environmental strategies… but at what cost?
The Dark Side of Nature Tech
While Nature Tech offers immense benefits, it also presents challenges:
1. High Initial Costs
Advanced technologies require substantial investments, which may be prohibitive for smaller organisations or communities.
2. Data Privacy and Security
Ensuring the privacy and security of data collected through technologies like satellite monitoring and blockchain is crucial to prevent breaches and misuse.
3. Environmental Impact of Technology
The production, deployment, and disposal of technological devices can have environmental impacts, requiring careful management to prevent pollution.
4. Social and Economic Displacement
Automation in agriculture and other sectors can lead to job displacement, affecting local economies and livelihoods.
Call to Action
While Nature Tech holds great promise for enhancing sustainability and addressing environmental challenges, its implementation requires collaboration, investment, and ethical considerations. How can we ensure equitable access to these technologies? What measures can be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of tech deployment on the environment and society?
As Lucy Almond, Director and Chair of Nature4Climate, says:
“Tech is a tool; it’s up to us how we use it. Nature now needs tech support too.”
Rachelle Amess
Sustainability Specialist Technician