Engineering Ideas to Combat Climate Change and UV Exposure

On March 13, 2025, Palakkad district in Kerala recorded a red alert level 11 in the UV index, causing the state disaster management authority to issue warnings against eye diseases, sunburn, and other health risks from sun exposure. Ozone depletion and rising temperatures are the two contributing factors to harmful UV exposure.

From devising policies to developing technologies, we are in a combat against the challenges posed by ozone depletion, rising temperatures, and changing climates. The blog discusses how engineering solutions are contributing significantly to the fight against climate change and UV exposure worldwide.

Read Further: Kerala Issues Red Alert in Palakkad for Extreme Uv Levels, Health Risks Flagged

Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Combat Climate Change and UV Exposure: How Engineering Can Mitigate Climate Change Impact?

The following are a few ways in which sustainable engineering solutions help mitigate climate change impact:

• ● Developing technologies for renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and wind power and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
• ● Designing sustainable infrastructure such as green buildings, electric and hybrid vehicles, water management measures, and more.
• ● Implementing strategies for climate adaptations like coastal protection solutions, sustainable water management systems, and resilient urban planning.
• ● Promoting circular economy practices like waste valorization, recycling, and more.
• ● Improving climate data analysis and modeling with Internet of Things (IoT) applications and advanced modeling techniques.

Sustainable Infrastructure as Part of Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Fight Climate Change in India

Sustainable infrastructure to fight climate change in India includes:

● Green buildings whose components include:

• ○ Green roofs for cooling effect, insulation, energy savings, and urban temperature reduction.
• ○ Green walls and facades for evapotranspiration and thermal insulation.
• ○ Green Building Features such as the usage of high-reflective materials, building design and orientation that leverage shading and natural ventilation.

● Incorporating green infrastructure in urban planning:

• ○ Urban forests and parks
• ○ Blue Infrastructure to absorb heat and cool the surroundings
• ○ Planning for enough open space and green areas

● Mixed-use development to promote walkable communities.

● Promoting sustainable transportation to reduce emissions, traffic congestion, and the urban heat island effect.

● Creating green streets to improve air quality and reduce heat absorption

● Implementing systems for rainwater harvesting.

● Using permeable surfaces to improve water infiltration into the ground.

Also read: On the path to a Net Zero Emission Campus

Renewable Energy Technologies for a Greener Future

Solar and wind energy are considered great alternatives to fossil fuels because of their environmental benefits, such as:

● Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

● Clean power generation

● Reduced reliance on fossil fuels

Technological advancements in photovoltaic cells and wind turbines, cost- effectiveness, and job creation are other benefits of renewable energy.

The following are ways engineering can mitigate climate change impact with efficient energy solutions:

● Engineers develop and refine renewable energy technologies.

● They make advancements in wind turbine design, photovoltaic technology, and energy storage systems.

● Engineers design and implement

• ○ energy-efficient systems and technologies in buildings, industries, and transportation.
• ○ Energy-efficient appliances
• ○ Green building practices,
• ○ sustainable transportation systems
• ○ resilient wastewater and water management solutions.

Also read: Sustainable Energy With the Solar Induction Cooking System

How Engineering Can Mitigate Climate Change Impact: Innovative Materials for UV Protection

Engineers develop smart coatings and UV-blocking materials used in the construction of sustainable buildings.

Smart coatings offer:

● Enhanced protection against different environmental factors

● Active properties like self-healing, hydrophobicity (water repellence), and self-cleaning capabilities

● Sustainability to reduce the need for repairs

● Aesthetically appealing finishes

UV-blocking materials offer:

● Protection from UV degradation

● Extended lifespan for building surfaces and components

● Improved aesthetics for the structure over time

Engineers also design and develop different protective textiles and fabrics for use in high UV index areas. This UV protection is important to address several global health concerns as a result of the thinning of the ozone layer, climate change, and UV exposure. These fabrics prevent skin damage and offer protection beyond sunscreen for outdoor workers, people with sensitive skin, and children.

Sustainable transport solutions like electric vehicles (EVs) help fight climate change and UV exposure by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints. These also promote cleaner and more efficient transport modes.

Cooling infrastructure for cities facing extreme heat:

Cooling infrastructure, both natural and built, in extremely hot urban areas helps reduce urban heat island effects, protect vulnerable populations, and enhance well-being.

Natural cooling infrastructure to fight climate change and UV exposure includes:

● Vegetation

● Green Spaces

● Water Features

The following are a few examples of built cooling infrastructure:

● Reflective Surfaces

● Cooling Centers

● Energy Efficiency

● Shading Structures

Engineering Breakthroughs in Carbon Capture and Storage

Engineers help develop technologies that lower greenhouse gas emissions and deal with climate change and UV exposure, which can be divided into carbon capture and carbon storage technologies.

● Carbon Capture Technologies:

• ○ Post-combustion capture used in power plants and industrial facilities
• ○ Pre-combustion capture used in industrial processes
• ○ Oxyfuel combustion, in which fuel uses pure oxygen to burn instead of air.
• ○ Direct Air Capture (DAC), which involves extracting CO2 directly from the atmosphere using specialized technologies
• ○ YOUWAN Method that absorbs, concentrates, and transforms carbon dioxide into reusable materials.
• ○ Electrochemical, microbial, and supercritical CO2 mineralization storages reduce energy consumption and speed up reaction rates in CO2 storages.
• ○ Mineral carbonation that converts CO2 into stable mineral forms

● Carbon Storage Technologies

• ○ Geological storage
• ○ Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
• ○ Carbon Mineralization in Construction Materials
• ○ Carbon Utilization

Engineering Solutions to Combat Climate Change and UV Exposure: Conclusion

Engineers can champion against climate change and UV exposure in many ways. From developing infrastructure and technologies for renewable energy to designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable materials, engineers and engineering solutions will be pivotal in the future of climate action. Further, engineers can also advocate for practices and policies promoting a low-carbon future.