DFF identifies five avenues to help save environmental ecosystems: The most attractive technological advancements that could reduce environmental risks and help nature restoration include biomimicry, virtual biodomes, carbon-based nanomaterials for water treatment, genomics, and tidal energy generators, according to a recent report (pdf) by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).

The case for biomimicry:By engaging biologists within engineering teams, biomimetic design — a technological-oriented approach focused on putting nature's lessons into practice — can enhance sustainability and reduce maintenance costs when integrated into urban planning and infrastructure development, the report explains. When integrated into design and planning, biomimicry enhances biodiversity, conserves natural resources, and improves air quality.

The UAE’s smart cities can learn something from nature-based urban planning: Although regional interest in sustainable architecture is growing, projects are not yet thriving. The UAE’s Sustainable City, seemingly a solitary example of a populated green project, isn’t readily scalable, largely due to restrictions on car use, and Masdar City also remains noticeably vacant.

Biodomes could be used for informed policymaking: AI-simulated virtual biodomes — digital simulations of a natural habitat that replicates conditions like temperature, soil, light, water and hosts specific species within different ecosystems — can offer policymakers, businesses, and scientists a way to experiment with conservation strategies. These simulations allow for the consideration of the needs and interactions of all components of ecosystems. By aligning with climate goals, they enable sustainable development that accommodates biodiversity. Data from simulated biodomes can influence economic tools like taxes and green bonds.

Nanomaterials could ease water stress: Carbon-based nanomaterials are able to remove pollutants from water and can be used for large-scale wastewater treatment and desalination projects, the report notes. Using nanomaterials in countries affected by water scarcity would improve health, boost economies, and prevent disease. As of 2021, 2.3 bn people lived in water-stressed countries, and more than 1.7 bn people drank water from contaminated sources. At this time, studies are still being carried out regarding potential toxicity if carbon nanomaterial filters are damaged.

Using nature regeneration to capture carbon: Using genomics and bioinformatics would enable faster reforestation than the current rate of global deforestation, aiding carbon sequestration and habitat restoration. The global economy could stand to boost business value by USD 10.1 tn through the use of nature-positive methods which foster the development of plants, soils, and tools to accelerate nature’s regeneration. However, interactions with genetically modified species could have unknown risks to plants and potentially upset ecosystem balance.

A UAE startup is testing the approach: UAE-based startup Oxygenate Bamboo is working on building plantations with genetically modified bamboo saplings to maximize CO2 sequestration. Oxygenate Bamboo reduces both atmospheric temperature by 5-7°C, and wind speeds and dust levels by 60-90%. It also sequesters as much as four times more carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than wild bamboo, absorbing as much as 400 kg of CO2 and releasing 320 kg of oxygen annually per bamboo.

Tidal energy is on the rise: Tidal energy could overtake solar and wind to become the most effective form of renewable energy. Tidal energy generators convert energy from tides into electricity using predictable tidal patterns, offering a continuous energy source unlike solar and wind which are more fluctuating. Investments in AI and turbine and transmission technology advancements can make tidal energy infrastructure more affordable, scalable and resilient to rising sea levels.

Morocco is looking into the nascent renewables source: Moroccan start-up Advanced Third Age Renewable Energies Company (Atarec) developed novel wave energy tech that generates electricity from the sea waves at port breakwaters and other maritime infrastructures last December. The tech offsets 1.6k tons of CO2 annually and is 3x more continuous than solar energy. The marine energy sector can cover all of humanity's energy needs of 20k to 90k TWh/year compared to a global electricity consumption of around 16k TWh/year.

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