Harnessing IoT for Climate Action: Opportunities, Applications, and Challenges in Building a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Climate change remains a critical global concern, demanding innovative solutions to mitigate its effects and enhance resilience. The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a transformative technology capable of addressing climate challenges through real-time environmental monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and automation. This paper explores the multifaceted applications of IoT in combating climate change, including smart agriculture, intelligent energy systems, environmental monitoring, sustainable transportation, and urban climate resilience. A comparative analysis of six recent studies demonstrates the tangible benefits of IoT implementations in sectors such as precision farming, smart grids, and coastal hazard preparedness. Additionally, the paper reviews key IoT sensors used in climate solutions, highlighting trade-offs in cost, performance, and sustainability. It also discusses critical deployment challenges, including data security, energy consumption, interoperability, and economic barriers. The paper concludes with future directions, emphasizing the role of AIoT, blockchain integration, and edge computing in enhancing scalability, efficiency, and transparency in climate response systems. Overall, IoT presents a scalable, impactful approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation when designed with sustainability at its core.