University research departments and climate action-focused businesses continue to create and modify technologies and processes to reduce the strain on the environment in response to climate change. Listed are four innovations designed to combat climate change.

Green roofs

Consisting of a drainage system, a root layer and vegetation, green roofs absorb rainwater that can be released during periods of intense heat. The water collected during storms irrigates the vegetation layer and cools buildings. 

Carbon capture and storage

Instead of allowing carbon dioxide to escape into the atmosphere from smokestacks, the carbon capture process stores carbon dioxide below ground for later use. This stored carbon dioxide can then be converted into structural material and fuel. 

Biodegradable cutlery

San Diego-based company TwentyFiftyFork produces biodegradable forks, knives and spoons from a composite of soy protein, corn, tapioca starch and broken rice, a byproduct of rice production. These materials are easily composted and decompose in about 14 days, as opposed to petroleum-based plastics that take over 200 years to break down.

Hydropower and solar power

Renewable energy sources, such as hydropower and solar power, decrease the amount of harmful gasses released into the atmosphere and the need for emission-reliant energy. The University of Pittsburgh purchased a license to use a hydropower dam and a farm generating solar power in an effort to decrease the amount of emission-reliant energy it uses.