10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 2025

Finance lens Targeted investment could accelerate the deployment of catalytic conversion and capture technologies – especially for hard-to-abate sectors. While the fossil fuel industry is hugely profitable, outside capital is likely needed in the waste and agriculture sectors, as well as for some hard-to-abate industries.Equity lens Widespread methane mitigation could bring air quality and health benefits to communities near landfills, farms and industrial sites. Without support for technology transfer and deployment in low-income regions, many of the highest-emitting sources may remain unaddressed.Policy lens Policy frameworks that direct methane capture towards existing emissions – such as those from landfills, farms or ageing fossil infrastructure – could support long-term climate goals. In the energy sector, if used to justify ongoing fossil fuel development, these technologies could delay broader transitions away from fossil energy.Make or break The success of methane capture and utilization may depend on clear regulatory direction, balanced investment across sectors and inclusive access to mitigation technologies. Planetary boundaries supported by methane capture and utilization → Climate change: Intercepts methane to limit near-term warming and slow long-term climate disruption. → Atmospheric aerosol loading: Some measures to reduce methane, such as methane capture instead of flaring, lower the emission of associated aerosols that damage air quality and ecosystems.→ Biosphere integrity: Protects vegetation and ecosystem productivity by reducing ground-level ozone from methane emissions, helping to curb biodiversity loss. → Novel entities: Limits industrial pollutants by converting methane through catalytic processes instead of flaring or uncontrolled release. CO 2- concen- trationRadiative forcing P cycleGreen waterFunctional integrity Blue water N cycle Modification of biogeochemical flowsGenetic diversityChange in biosphere integrityOverloading with novel entitiesClimate change Land-system change Increase in atmospheric aerosol loading Ocean acidificationFreshwater changeStratospheric ozone depletionPlanetary boundaryHigh-risk line 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 18