The climate summit in Belém, Brazil, faced challenges this year, yet 2025 has seen remarkable advancements in climate technology. Engineers and researchers have introduced innovative solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental issues. Here are some of the standout stories from the year, as reported by IEEE Spectrum.
Innovative Ammonia Production from Wind
One of the most exciting developments involves a device that can create ammonia from wind energy. Ammonia is essential for various industries, including agriculture and transportation. Researchers, including Richard Zare and Xiaowei Song, have combined classical laboratory chemistry with artificial intelligence to enhance ammonia production efficiency. In a demonstration reported by freelance contributor Alfred Poor, this passive technology captures ammonia directly from the atmosphere, eliminating the need for batteries or external power sources.
Piezoelectric Catalyst Tackles Water Pollution
Another breakthrough comes from a startup that employs piezoelectric catalysts to combat the pervasive issue of “forever chemicals” in waterways. These harmful substances are notoriously difficult to eliminate, often requiring extensive energy for mechanical filtration. However, as detailed by freelance contributor Rachel Berkowitz, this new approach harnesses the kinetic energy generated by natural water flow, significantly reducing energy consumption while effectively breaking down these contaminants.
Introducing Supercritical CO2 Circuit Breakers
In a significant shift in electrical engineering, the first supercritical CO2 circuit breaker has been developed. Traditional circuit breakers often rely on the potent greenhouse gas SF6, which is responsible for approximately 1 percent of global warming as of 2018. Energy editor Emily Waltz highlighted this innovative solution, which uses supercritical CO2 as an insulator, thereby decreasing the environmental impact of electrical infrastructure.
Assessing Carbon Capture Needs
Understanding the scale of carbon capture required to mitigate climate change is crucial. In a comprehensive analysis for The Scale Issue, contributing editor W. Wayt Gibbs explored how much carbon society can feasibly remove from the atmosphere. An accompanying infographic illustrates potential underground storage sites for CO2 and quantifies current capture efforts, revealing the substantial challenge that lies ahead.
Geopolitical Challenges in Mining Greenland’s Resources
The quest for rare earth elements in Greenland presents both opportunities and obstacles. While these materials are vital for many climate technologies, mining consultant Flemming Getreuer Christiansen asserts that political clarity is essential for progress. He highlights that engineering solutions must be supported by stable political conditions to unlock the potential of Greenland’s resources.
In a lighter note, the year also featured a creative reflection on the intersection of technology and nature. Fiber-optic engineer and poet Steven Searcy contributed a piece titled “A Sunday in August,” pairing technical insights with poetic musings, reminding readers of the importance of balancing innovation with appreciation for the environment.
The advancements showcased in 2025 not only reflect human ingenuity but also underscore the critical role that technology plays in addressing climate challenges. As engineers and researchers continue to innovate, these stories serve as a testament to the potential for positive change in the fight against climate change.
