Climate change constitutes not merely an environmental phenomenon but a comprehensive systemic challenge that impacts resources, infrastructure, and public health. This challenge is reshaping human interactions with natural resources, the operation of economic and social systems, and the capacity of institutions to manage risks and promote resilience. Considering this complexity, a comprehensive, systematic, and dynamic mapping of climate needs is essential, enabling the identification of priority action areas that encompass policy development, investments, and the pursuit of effective solutions.
The mapping undertaken in this study employs a top-down approach, grounded in scientific taxonomies rather than market segments or investment trends. This methodology is also intended to highlight areas of challenge that have not yet garnered adequate attention in the private market, despite their potential for significant impact. The mapping focuses on technological needs and excludes solutions that primarily emerge from regulatory changes, public policy, or behavioral patterns.
The study identified 55 major technological needs pertinent to climate change, categorized into eight key areas. While some of these needs overlap, collectively they present a systemic representation of the prevailing climate challenges.
Agriculture and Animals
Agricultural production systems represent a significant area of vulnerability to climate change1Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.–2FAO. (2023). Loss and damage in agrifood systems: Addressing gaps and challenges. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.. Variations in temperature, an increasing frequency of droughts and floods, the emergence of diseases affecting plants and animals, and the degradation of soil fertility, all necessitate a systemic response. Critical requirements encompass the development of strategies to manage agricultural diseases, the conservation and enhancement of genetic resources for crops and livestock, particularly in relation to livestock resilience, and the improvement of agricultural efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. Furthermore, it is essential to monitor the agricultural ecosystem, enhance the processing, distribution, and storage systems for agricultural products and livestock, manage land and water resources, ensure long-term food security, and effectively address agricultural waste3OECD & FAO. (2024). OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2024–2033. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development & Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations..
Water
The water crisis poses an existential threat in numerous countries, manifesting in both the quality and availability of water resources4 UN-Water. (2024). Progress on the implementation of integrated water resources management. United Nations.. Effective integrated management of water resources is imperative, which includes enhancing usage efficiency, adopting advanced treatment technologies, and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Key priorities involve ensuring a consistent and sustainable water supply, real-time monitoring of water sources along with disruption alerts, protecting water quality for diverse applications (including agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption), and mitigating ongoing risks such as flooding or extended drought periods5UNESCO & UN-Water. (2025). United Nations World Water Development Report 2025: Mountains and glaciers – Water towers for life. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.. Moreover, safe access to water in vulnerable regions must be guaranteed, accompanied by the capacity to respond promptly to extreme events6 UNESCO & UN-Water. (2024). United Nations World Water Development Report 2024: Water for prosperity and peace. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization..
Climate Change Forecasting and Monitoring
In conjunction with directly addressing the impacts of climate change, forecasting has gained prominence as a critical tool for managing prospective risks7United Nations. (2023). Early warnings for all: The UN global early warning initiative for the implementation of climate adaptation – Executive Action Plan 2023–2027. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) & World Meteorological Organization (WMO).. Advanced forecasting systems and models could facilitate the early identification of extreme scenarios and enhance the adaptive capacity of essential systems. It is imperative to augment capabilities for processing climate information, develop early warning systems, and engage in continuous monitoring of change trends at local, regional, and global levels.
Marine, Fisheries and Coastal Systems
Marine systems are currently experiencing heightened pressures, including rising sea levels, ocean warming, and acidification, which impact habitats, fish, and coastal populations8 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). The ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate: Special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate.. Consequently, there is a growing demand for coastal environmental monitoring and risk assessment, disease management in marine resources such as fish and shellfish, promotion of sustainable marine production, and restoration of marine ecosystem services. Furthermore, preparedness and response measures for coastal disasters are necessary, alongside the careful management of fishing resources amidst changing ecological constraints.
Forests and Soil
Forests and soil systems play a critical role in carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, and the provision of ecological services; however, they are threatened by land loss, species depletion, and disruptions in ecological continuity9 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Climate change and land: An IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.. Mapping needs in this domain encompass disaster risk management in forested areas, the promotion of natural carbon absorption, the restoration of damaged forests, and the development of tools for the early detection of functional changes in soil and ecosystems. A need for damage mitigation in both commercial and natural forests is also required, alongside the enhancement of the ecological services they provide.
Industry
The industrial system contributes significantly to global emissions, yet it also holds critical potential for solutions. Key requirements include the transition to efficient and sustainable processing of raw materials, including minerals and chemicals10 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Global chemicals outlook II: From legacies to innovative solutions – Implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development., the reduction of emissions from heavy industry, particularly within the petrochemical sector, and improving downstream and final-stage manufacturing processes11 International Energy Agency (IEA). (2025). Policy toolbox for industrial decarbonisation.. Furthermore, the efficient treatment of industrial waste, the advancement of carbon capture technologies, and the development of innovative solutions for biological or chemical carbon fixation are of increasing importance.
Energy
A systemic transformation within the energy sector is essential for mitigating global warming12 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Working Group III Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report – Chapter 6: Energy Systems.. Critical requirements encompass the advancement of renewable and efficient energy sources, including bioenergy, green hydrogen production, hybrid systems, and fuel cells. There remains an ongoing necessity for enhancing the efficiency of power plants, minimizing energy consumption in industrial and residential sectors, and developing intelligent distribution infrastructures that incorporate real-time energy management devices. Particular attention is also directed towards reducing energy consumption in both industrial and domestic equipment, with the objective of lessening demand and improving overall efficiency.יתי, מתוך מטרה להפחית את הביקוש ולשפר את היעילות.
Urban Environment
Urban centers concentrate a wide set of environmental challenges, including pollution, congestion, and extreme heat. Key requirements entail the promotion of green construction and resilient infrastructure, the sustainable management of urban waste, the reduction of air and noise pollution, and the mitigation of light pollution13United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2021). Smart, sustainable and resilient cities: The power of nature-based solutions.. Furthermore, the development of sustainable public and private transportation systems is imperative, alongside the reinforcement of urban resilience to effectively respond to extreme weather events such as heat waves, storms, and floods.
The subsequent table summarizes the primary needs identified and categorizes them by area of action:
| Domain | Needs |
|---|---|
| Agriculture and livestock | Disease management in crops and livestock; conservation and improvement of genetic resources; agricultural breeding and production; climate-adapted agriculture; climate-resilient livestock management; agricultural environmental monitoring; disaster risk management in agriculture; processing, storage and distribution of agricultural produce and livestock; post-harvest management, processing and distribution; agricultural land management; agricultural water resources management; agricultural waste and livestock management; food security |
| Water | Integrated water resources management; water treatment; sustainable water supply; water systems and water ecosystems; water resources monitoring and early warning; water quality assurance; water-related disaster risk management; water source and supply security |
| Climate change prediction and monitoring | Climate disaster prediction models; climate change monitoring and early warnings |
| Marine, Fisheries and Coastal Systems | Coastal environmental monitoring and risk assessment/ forecasting; marine resource disease management; marine production; marine ecosystem services management; coastal disaster risk management; fish resource management |
| Forests and soil | Forest disaster risk management; forest carbon management; forest ecosystem services management; forest and soil ecosystem restoration; detection and prediction of changes in forest ecosystems; forest damage reduction |
| Industry | Sustainable, efficient and resilient processing of minerals, chemicals, metals, petroleum and petrochemical industries; industrial waste management; carbon capture; carbon sequestration |
| Energy | Bioenergy production; hybrid and renewable energy; hydrogen production; clean and efficient thermal power generation; industrial energy efficiency; energy transmission and distribution systems; smart appliances; energy-efficient equipment; fuel cells |
| Urban environment | Construction; municipal waste management; air pollution reduction; noise pollution reduction; light pollution reduction; sustainable transportation; urban resilience to extreme weather events |
The aforementioned mapping of needs highlights the intricate and evolving nature of climate challenges. These challenges are not merely isolated issues; rather, they constitute systems of multidimensional problems that necessitate adaptive, efficient, and sustainable solutions. Such solutions require thinking beyond conventional technological paradigms.
In this context, Bioconvergence is emerging as a promising strategic direction, as it is predicated on biological systems that possess an adaptive quality derived from their evolutionary processes, thereby facilitating sustainable solutions while integrating knowledge across various disciplines. The following chapter will articulate the principles of the field, its definition, and the taxonomy developed for the purpose of analyzing its potential contributions to addressing climate challenges.