The Bridge - Issue 3, 2023 - 12

Feature
Leading the Global Frontiers of IEEE Humanitarian Engineering and Technologies Programs
VI. Harnessing Emerging Technologies
for SDGs and Climate Change
Engineers through their technological innovations change
the way the world interacts, works and lives. They play an
important role in bringing positive changes to the lives of
people from underrepresented communities across the
globe. While technology evolves rapidly, there is a pressing
need to develop solutions that cater to solving the most
pressing global humanitarian issues [9]. Technology and
especially emerging technologies can play a major role in
helping to achieve the SDGs, and address and mitigate the
effects of climate change. The following are some specific
ways in which technology can help:
* Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Technology can
help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a number
of ways. For example, renewable energy technologies,
such as solar and wind power, can help to replace fossil
fuels. Energy efficiency technologies can help to reduce
energy consumption. And carbon capture and storage
technologies can help to capture and store carbon
dioxide emissions.
* Improve energy access: Technology can help to improve
energy access in developing countries. For example, solar
powered lamps can provide light to people who do not
have access to electricity. And mobile phones can be used
to provide access to financial services and education.
* Protect water resources: Technology can help to
protect water resources by reducing water pollution and
increasing water efficiency. For example, water treatment
technologies can help to remove pollutants from water.
And drip irrigation systems can help to reduce water waste.
* Improve food security: Technology can help to improve
food security by increasing crop yields and reducing food
loss. For example, drought-resistant crops can help to cope
with climate change. And smart farming technologies can
help to improve crop management.
* Build resilient infrastructure: Technology can help to
build resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impacts
of climate change. For example, flood resistant buildings
can help to protect people from flooding. And early
warning systems can help to warn people of impending
natural disasters.
* Promote sustainable consumption and production:
Technology can help to promote sustainable consumption
and production by reducing waste and increasing the use
of recycled materials. For example, 3D printing can help to
reduce waste by creating products from recycled materials.
And smart transportation systems can help to reduce traffic
congestion and emissions.
These are just a few of the ways in which technology can
help to achieve the SDGs and address and mitigate climate
THE BRIDGE
change effects. As technology continues to develop, we can
expect to see even more innovative ways to use technology
to solve the world's most pressing problems. The following
are some specific examples of emerging technologies that
have the potential to help achieve the SDGs and address
climate change:
* Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to develop new
ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve
energy efficiency, and protect water resources. For
example, AI can be used to optimize traffic flow, which
can reduce emissions and improve air quality.
* Blockchain can be used to create more transparent and
efficient supply chains, which can help to reduce food
waste and improve food security. For example, blockchain
can be used to track the movement of food from farm to
table, which can help to ensure that food is not wasted.
* Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to collect data
about the environment and to monitor the performance
of infrastructure. This data can be used to improve
decision making and to identify opportunities for
improvement. For example, IoT can be used to monitor
water levels in rivers and lakes, which can help to
prevent flooding.
VII. Critical Design Factors for
Implementing Technology-based
Humanitarian Programs
To deliver an effective technology driven humanitarian
engineering program, one should follow a " bottom-up "
approach. First, we should always work backwards from
the needs of the local communities/end-users. We should
engage closely with the community and understand their
ecosystem to address their short-term and long-term needs.
Most importantly, we should check whether the proposed
solution is relevant to the problem at hand or investigate
if a meaningful alternative approach exists. In addition,
understand how the solution will deliver value to various
stakeholders involved and positively contribute toward
achieving SDG for local communities. It is also important to
measure the impact both qualitatively and quantitatively so
define a suite of metrics to measure various dimensions of
the program success.
The following are some key factors to consider
while designing a technology centric sustainable
development program:
* Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of
the specific humanitarian needs in the target area.
* Understand the challenges, demographics, cultural
nuances, and existing resources to tailor the technology
solution to the actual requirements.
The Bridge - Issue 3, 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Bridge - Issue 3, 2023
