Authors: S.Thaslima Banu
Abstract: Climate change is one of the most critical global challenges of the 21st century, primarily driven by human activities since the 1800s, especially fossil fuel consumption for energy, industry, and transportation. Greenhouse gas emissions have raised the Earth's average surface temperature by approximately 1.2–1.3°C above pre-industrial levels, making 2015–2024 the warmest decade on record. Fossil fuels account for around 68% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of CO₂ emissions, driving extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, health risks, and the displacement of 45.8 million people due to weather-related disasters in 2024. This study critically examines the role of green technology, innovation, and digital solutions in mitigating climate change and advancing sustainable development, in alignment with the SDGs. A qualitative research approach was adopted, based on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, international reports, and global case studies. Findings show that renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart grids significantly reduce emissions, while AI, IoT, GIS, blockchain, and drones strengthen climate monitoring and disaster resilience. However, high investment costs, technological disparities, infrastructure gaps, and inconsistent policy support constrain large-scale adoption. The study concludes that stronger policies, increased green investments, and international collaboration are essential for a resilient, low-carbon, sustainable future.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22302349
