10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 2025

Methodology Technologies were nominated, analysed and shortlisted through expert surveys, AI trend analysis and committee review. Following the established methodology for technology selection developed through the World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Emerging Technologies reports over 13 years, the technologies featured in this report were nominated through a survey of experts. This process included input from World Economic Forum partners and Global Future Council members, the Frontiers network of chief editors, and the Frontiers Planet Prize National Champions and Jury of 100 members, inviting a diverse selection of innovations with the greatest potential to address planetary health challenges. Survey respondents provided information about the technology nominated, including the technology name, description, key breakthroughs, case studies and how it will impact the environment, economy and society, as well as potential risks that accompany the technology. Survey responses were combined with previous submissions for the Frontiers Planet Prize to include the latest technological advances in research and practice. In total, 123 technologies were collected. To assess the relevance of the emerging technologies, an AI Trend Analyzer – developed by Frontiers – mapped nominations and their frequency in academic articles over a 10-year period. From this analysis, an average “trendiness” score was established, indicating each technology’s growing presence and momentum in research literature. This refined shortlist of 20 technologies was then assessed by a steering committee of experts, who applied the following guiding principles: –Novelty: Early adoption is emerging, but widespread use is not yet achieved. –Impact: Potential for significant planetary boundary response, weighted against potential harm. –Depth: Developed across multiple entities, with broad and sustained interest. This thorough, multi-phase selection process enables a comprehensive evaluation of each technology’s readiness and transformative potential. In preparing this report, artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used to support elements of writing and background research. Consistent with the World Economic Forum’s guidelines for responsible AI use, these tools were treated as collaborators rather than replacements. Subject-matter experts reviewed, fact-checked and revised all outputs to ensure accuracy, integrity and compliance with Forum guidelines on security, transparency and ethical use. 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health 6