World Economic Forum Unveils 10 Emerging Technology Solutions to Restore Planetary Health by 2025
Geneva, 15 October 2025 — In a landmark report published today, the World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with the scientific journal Frontiers, has identified ten innovative technology solutions poised to address the urgent environmental challenges threatening Earth’s stability. The report, titled 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health, highlights how cutting-edge advances can help restore balance to seven of the nine planetary boundaries that humanity has now transgressed.
Planetary Boundaries Under Threat
Scientists have long studied planetary boundaries — critical natural systems that regulate Earth’s stability and support human wellbeing. Alarmingly, seven out of nine of these boundaries, which include climate change, biodiversity loss, and biochemical flows, have already been breached. Such transgressions put ecosystems, economies, and societies at significant risk.
Recognizing the urgency, the WEF’s latest publication outlines emerging technologies that offer tangible pathways to reduce environmental harm and promote regeneration.
Spotlight on Breakthrough Technologies
The report showcases a range of promising innovations across sectors such as energy, biotechnology, materials science, and Earth observation. Among the featured technologies are:
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Precision Fermentation: Utilizing advanced microbial processes to produce proteins and materials sustainably, offering alternatives to traditional agriculture that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
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Green Ammonia Production: Employing renewable energy to synthesize ammonia without fossil fuels, critical for sustainable fertilizers and clean energy carriers.
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Modular Geothermal Energy: Deploying scalable geothermal systems capable of delivering reliable, carbon-free power with reduced environmental footprints.
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Regenerative Desalination: Innovating water purification methods that not only provide fresh water but also restore aquatic ecosystems.
By integrating these technologies, the report argues, it is possible to simultaneously advance clean energy transitions, restore degraded ecosystems, and foster sustainable resource use.
A Holistic Approach: Policy, Finance, and Equity
Importantly, the WEF report does not only focus on technological feasibility. Each emerging solution is assessed through the lenses of policy frameworks, financial viability, and equity considerations. This ensures that scaling these innovations responsibly includes:
- Supportive regulations and incentives to foster adoption.
- Investment models that de-risk emerging ventures.
- Inclusive access to benefits, particularly for vulnerable communities and developing regions.
Such a comprehensive approach aims to prevent technological advances from inadvertently exacerbating inequalities or environmental injustices.
Pathway to a Sustainable Future
Together, these ten emerging technologies exemplify how innovation can transform planetary health challenges into opportunities for resilience and equity. By harnessing science and technology responsibly, global society can chart a course toward restoring Earth’s natural stability, securing clean energy, and safeguarding biodiversity.
Related Events and Access to the Report
The report release coincides with a related session held during the Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity 2025, featuring expert speakers such as Masami Onoda, Yousef Yousef, Sally Mousa, Leigh Ann Winowiecki, and Drew Shindell. Interested readers and stakeholders can access the full 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health report and session recordings via the World Economic Forum’s official website.
About the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an international organization committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation. With a focus on sustainability and global challenges, the Forum leverages multi-sector collaboration to drive impact and innovation in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
For media inquiries and to download the full report:
World Economic Forum – 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health PDF
License: This report is available for republishing under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License.
