Green ammonia, green concrete, precision fermentation: WEF lists 10 emerging technology solutions for planetary health

A new World Economic Forum report, prepared in partnership with Frontiers, highlights ten emerging technology solutions pivotal to climate action and planetary health. These technologies span food, water, energy and materials, and are seen as critical to tackling climate disruption, including drought, methane leaks and water scarcity. Many of these innovations already exist but are underutilized, with their deployment dependent on investment, infrastructure, and responsible governance.

“The urgent realities of climate change are clear, but what is less clear are the technologies already available and how they can be used in new ways to deliver solutions,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Director-General of the World Economic Forum. “This research provides world leaders with the insight they need to act with the speed and scale necessary.”

The ten featured solutions are:

1. Microfermentation of animal-free proteins

It offers animal-free proteins that can transform food, materials and medicines while reducing the need for feed crops, conserving water and energy, and reducing methane emissions from livestock.

2. Green ammonia production for clean fertilizer

It offers cleaner methods for making fertilizers, replacing traditional energy-intensive processes. This transition helps reduce emissions and pollution, and supports sustainable agriculture and clean shipping fuels.

3. Automatic recycling of food waste

It uses advanced sorting systems to identify and separate food waste, even when it is spoiled or mixed with packaging, allowing it to be turned into compost, animal feed, or new products.

4. Methane capture and use

This technology detects methane leaks from farms, landfills and industries and traps them before they enter the atmosphere, providing a quick way to slow global warming.

5. Green concrete

Made from recycled materials and capable of sequestering carbon, green concrete promises cleaner construction while conserving vital resources.

6. The next generation of two-way charging

These systems allow electricity to flow in and out of batteries, enhancing grid resilience and stability across electric vehicles, homes, and other storage sources

7. Observe the Earth in a timely and specific manner

Timely and specific Earth observation through new satellites and sensors provides real-time data on floods, droughts and deforestation, enabling governments, businesses and communities to act quickly before crises worsen.

8. Standard geothermal energy

These systems, which are smaller and factory-made, can provide consistent renewable energy almost anywhere, adding reliable clean energy to the global mix.

9. Renewable water desalination

Such technologies produce clean drinking water using much less energy than traditional methods, providing sustainable water solutions for arid regions around the world.

10. Convergence of soil health technology

This combines sensors, microbes and artificial intelligence to restore degraded soil. This approach helps soils store more carbon, increase food production, and effectively support ecosystems.

Each solution was selected for its novelty, depth and potential to generate significant benefits for society and the environment. Selected technologies were evaluated using expert nominations, AI trend analysis, peer evaluations, and review of adoption conditions. The report emphasizes that success depends on open science, cross-sector collaboration, and strong policy frameworks.

“Open science and cross-sector partnerships are essential if we are to turn innovation into impact,” said Frederic Venter, executive editor at Frontiers. “This report shows that while no single technology is a silver bullet, together they can help us shift the curve toward a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for all.”

These innovations can accelerate emissions reductions, help societies adapt to climate impacts, and repair environmental damage. Technologies such as modular geothermal energy and bidirectional charging are set to provide reliable, renewable energy, while next-generation building materials and Earth observation technology help communities respond to environmental threats. Pioneering projects, such as desalination in the Middle East and geothermal systems, show how domestic investment and policy empowerment drive policy adoption.