IoT and climate change: IoT use cases that help save the environment

Last Updated: March, 2024

Climate change is a common concern worldwide, and it has grown rapidly lately. These changes in climate have made sustainability a primary goal for companies, organizations, and governments. Deploying technologies such as the Internet of Things, AI, and real-time monitoring can help better preserve the environment.

How does IoT help in climate change? 

At first, IoT and climate change can sound distant and even extrinsic. However, IoT projects for climate change can cause a significant improvement in the global climate change footprint. Here is a list of ways IoT can help climate change:

  • Sustaining resources:

IoT can help make the most of our available resources by keeping traceability of the available resources and how they are used. Whether it is produced by electricity or natural resources like water, IoT can help sustain them.

  • Insights on climate change:

IoT for climate change and environmental monitoring can help administration and authorities better track environmental scenarios. Smart devices and IoT sensors like temperature, humidity, and light can help analyze climate change and take preventive measures.

  • Detecting environmental threats:

There are certain pollutants and harmful elements that result in worsened climate change. IoT can help keep track of such toxins, gasses, radioactive elements, and elements.

  • Effective climate change prevention: 

Climate change is not going to be solved overnight with any solution. However, IoT can slow it down to get things under control as we deploy different preventive measures.

Does IoT make climate change worse or better?

While it is evident that IoT can help deal with many contributors to climate change, there is another side of the coin. IoT can help and contribute to climate change without downfalls only if it is engineered, manufactured, and deployed responsibly.

For instance, carbon emissions that take place during the manufacturing of those IoT devices can harm the environment. Likewise, IoT can reduce the risk of e-waste, which is considered to be a contributor to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. However, IoT can have a much larger list of positive impacts when implemented right compared to downsides.

How does IoT reduce carbon footprint? 

Carbon dioxide emissions and climate change can be reduced with rigorous, consistent efforts. Technologies like IoT and Real-time monitoring can leverage sensors, connectivity, and massive chunks of data to reduce carbon emissions right from the sources, including:

  • IoT energy monitoring to help track and reduce any waste or false energy consumption. It can reduce energy needs and lead to lesser carbon emissions in energy generation.

  • IoT for renewable energy sources can ensure that we are making the most of our best resources. We can opt for safer and environment-friendly options than fossil oil and other carbon-emitting options.

  • IoT smart buildings and smart homes can improve the traditional use of energy and increase the efficiency of the infrastructure. Such smart devices can save bits of energy and make the world more sustainable.


5 IoT use cases to combat climate change

Here are the top five use cases that are popular among sustainability projects and climate preservation organizations:

  1. Smart transportation with IoT
    • IoT can help improvise transportation, routing, traffic congestion, parking solutions, and many such areas related to commuting. This can help reduce fuel consumption from vehicles and reduce carbon footprint.

      (→ Here you can learn more about “IoT and its influence on transportation”)

  2. Sustainable energy grids
    • Sustainable energy grids refer to smarter and improvised energy distribution. IoT can help amplify the energy efficiency in distribution networks by detecting and mitigating any roadblocks.

  3. Green supply chains
    • Supply chains, production houses, and manufacturing units can consume intense power. Often organizations overlook their sustainability goals in their supply chain operations. IoT-based green supply chain solutions aim to save every bit of energy without compromising output.

  4. Smart waste management
    • Waste can contribute to the negative impacts of climate change. Smart waste management can help dispose of waste efficiently and minimizes environmental damage.

  5. Environmental monitoring
    • Lastly, IoT sensors can help keep track of environmental health so that we never lose sight of our sustainability visions. Such monitoring can help us prepare against disasters and identify environmental deterioration from a particular source.

IoT SIM connectivity for projects saving the environment

It is clear that the Internet of Things has a significant role in combatting climate change. IoT’s contribution to the environment goes beyond reducing carbon footprint but also includes detecting environmental threats, providing insights on climate change, and sustaining resources. However, to maximize the benefits of IoT and minimize its potential downsides, it is crucial to implement it responsibly. As the world continues to face climate change challenges, leveraging IoT’s potential to create sustainable solutions is essential.

At Freeeway AG, we provide IoT SIM connectivity services that help organizations create sustainable projects to save our environment. We understand that every business has unique IoT requirements, and we strive to provide tailored solutions that align with their sustainability goals. Our team of experts is ready to help you deploy your IoT projects that contribute to saving the environment while reducing your carbon footprint.

If you are looking for a reliable partner for IoT SIM connectivity in your climate change projects, reach out to us today. Let us help you create sustainable solutions to protect the environment for future generations. Together, we can make a difference!

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