Climate Technologies

Climate technologies are systems, products, services, and infrastructure solutions developed to mitigate the impacts of human-induced climate change, adapt to these changes, and promote sustainable development. These technologies encompass not only energy production but also agriculture, transportation, industry, water management, the construction sector, disaster management, and digital infrastructure. Climate technologies focus on three key areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), adapting to the impacts of climate change (adaptation), and supporting environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Within this scope, a wide range of tools are employed, including renewable energy systems, low-carbon transportation, carbon capture and storage (CCS), AI-assisted climate modeling systems, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.

Key Characteristics

Climate technologies do not merely deliver environmental benefits; through their multidimensional structures and interdisciplinary impacts, they also contribute to social justice, economic growth, and technological transformation processes. Below are the prominent features of these technologies explained in detail:

Interdisciplinary Structure

Climate technologies are not confined to a single scientific or engineering discipline. They integrate the following fields:

• Environmental engineering (water, air, waste management)
• Energy engineering (renewable energy, grid technologies)
• Agricultural sciences (climate-friendly farming techniques)
• Data science and artificial intelligence (climate modeling, forecasting)
• Urban planning and architecture (sustainable buildings, green infrastructure)
• Economics and policy (carbon trading, green tax systems)

This interdisciplinary structure necessitates collaborative development of climate technologies by diverse actors in both public and private sectors.

Reduction of Environmental Impact

Climate technologies support both emission reduction (mitigation) and adaptation processes. Examples of mitigation efforts include solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient production systems. Examples of adaptation measures include drought-resistant agricultural techniques, flood barrier systems, and green infrastructure projects such as vertical gardens and green roofs. This dual impact not only reduces environmental risks but also forms the foundation for building a society resilient to climate crises.

Potential for Transformation

Climate technologies are not merely “technical solutions”; they are tools that transform social structures and economic systems:

• Convert centralized energy systems into decentralized ones
• Transform consumers into energy producers (prosumers)
• Accelerate rural development (e.g., biogas technologies)
• Adapt industrial processes to a circular economy

This transformative potential demonstrates that climate technologies generate not only “ecological” but also “political-economic” effects.

Data and Digital Foundation

Contemporary climate technologies rely heavily on data-driven and automated systems:

• IoT sensors continuously monitor energy, water, and air quality
• Artificial intelligence forecasts carbon emissions and energy demand
• Blockchain secures carbon credit trading
• Satellite data enables real-time monitoring of agricultural production or forest cover

These technologies make decision-making processes faster, verifiable, and more transparent.

Applicability at Local and Global Scales

Climate technologies have a structure that can be adapted to local geographies and needs. In developed countries, advanced solutions such as smart grids, carbon trading, and green hydrogen are implemented, while in developing countries, simple yet effective solutions like low-cost solar ovens and passive cooling systems are deployed. This flexibility enables climate technologies to support a just transition.

Investment and Innovation Orientation

Climate technologies are reshaping the direction of global innovation and capital flows. For instance, investments in green technologies exceeded 1.6 trillion dollars in 2022.^【1】 ESG initiatives and climate ventures have become the new focus of venture capital funds, giving rise to new sectors such as climate fintechs, digital carbon calculators, and waste analytics. In this regard, climate technologies form the infrastructure of the green growth concept.

Historical Development

1970–1990: Scientific Awareness and Conceptual Foundations

The origins of climate technologies trace back to the 1970s, when awareness of climate change began to rise. During this period, scientists presented evidence that fossil fuels were increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and driving global warming.

• 1979: First World Climate Conference (Geneva)
• 1987: Montreal Protocol – First global success in protecting the ozone layer
• 1988: IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) established
• 1989: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) issued its first call for climate technology transfer

This period was characterized by climate crisis discussions primarily at the scientific level, with the need for technological intervention only beginning to be defined.

1990–2010: Global Agreements and Initial Applications

With the 1990s, climate technologies became more clearly defined, and binding international regulations emerged. Climate finance, technology transfer, and clean production methods were first concretized.

• 1992: UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) – Rio Summit
• 1997: Kyoto Protocol – Emission reduction commitments
• 2001: IPCC Third Assessment Report – Irreversible impacts of climate change were defined
• 2004: CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) – Technology transfer and carbon markets for developing countries

During this period, technologies such as wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, hybrid vehicles, and energy efficiency applications began to gain prominence.

2010–2020: The Dawn of Transformation

• 2015: Paris Agreement signed, setting a target to limit global temperature rise to +1.5°C
• Developed countries accelerated investments in low-carbon technologies
• Carbon capture, green hydrogen, and digital energy management systems advanced
• Adaptation technologies (e.g., climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems) became widespread

During this period, the private sector assumed a more active role. ESG investments, sustainability reporting, and carbon neutrality targets became norms in the business world.

2020–Present: Digitalization and Systemic Transformation

• Artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and other technologies began to be integrated into energy and environmental systems
• Nature-based solutions (e.g., blue carbon, agroecology) entered public policy frameworks
• Implementation of carbon taxes and carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) began
• Türkiye announced its 2053 net-zero target (2021)^【2】

This phase represents a process in which climate technologies are recognized not only as environmental tools but also as instruments of economic transformation.