Technology to protect natural habitats
23 June 2022
Whilst reducing and reversing climate change has to be a primary objective of governments around the world, it is inevitable that this will take some time, and so, adapting to climate change must also be considered. Formed in January 2021, the Adaptation Action Coalition, which was developed by the UK and other partners, aims to progress action to “adapt and build resilience to the impacts of climate change” by 2030[1]. Such impacts include drought, flooding, heat waves, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers, for example.
A number of fascinating technologies have been advanced in an attempt to mitigate the impacts of climate change. For instance, a US patent (US 9977963) filed by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is directed to tracking and analysing wildfires to provide early warning and prevent further spread. They have developed a method which uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deploy sensors which measure wind conditions within and surrounding a wildfire. This method assists fire responders to make decisions when tackling wildfires to prevent spread.[2] Over the past year, there have been numerous wildfires across multiple locations including California, Turkey, Greece, and Siberia[3]. Bringing devastating consequences to land and wildlife, technologies to counteract the effects of climate change are vital.
Soil salinity is a large problem in agriculture with excessive salt causing issues such as inhibiting growth, reducing reproductive activity and affecting viability. As such, placement of crops geographically is limited. With climate change bringing about floods and rising sea levels, Agrisea have genetically engineered a plant with a higher threshold for soil salinity. In particular, their currently pending application WO 2021/156478, is directed to an engineered plant with genome edits having an ECe (threshold salinity value) of 11 or greater.[4] This technology, and others like it could be key to building resilient infrastructure and agriculture, and to providing millions of subsistence farmers with the opportunity to improve their quality of life by reducing the poverty associated with crop failure[5].
Some cities have developed urban areas with artificial environments to control flooding by turning urban areas into a “sponge”. A number of areas in China including Beijing have made use of this concept[6]. A Chinese utility model (CN205839508U) is directed to a paved road structure for use in such “sponge” cities. The structure is formed of materials which more easily absorb water than conventional paving used in urban areas.[7] This technique alongside other “sponge” city mechanisms enables cities to cope with flooding by increasing the amount of absorbent land. In addition, some “sponge” city infrastructures provide channelling and storage systems which can be used to help alleviate water shortages.[8]
With businesses becoming more aware of their impact on climate change and the concerns of their consumers, protection for intellectual property rights in relation to environmentally conscious inventions and environmentally friendly brands has never been more important. In particular, patent protection for developing technologies should be sought by businesses hoping to recuperate some of their investment into R&D. In the UK, the examination of a patent for technologies which are considered to have some environmental benefit can be accelerated using the “Green Channel” grant acceleration process. With no additional fee for using this service, and the potential to obtain a granted patent right in less than a year, applicants should consider using the Green Channel in the UK where possible.
Andie McConnell is an Associate and part of our Electronics, Computing & Physics group at Withers & Rogers LLP.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adaptation-action-coalition-an-overview
[2] US 9977963
[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/58159451
[4] WO 2021/156478
[5] https://ukcop26.org/cop26-goals/adaptation/
[6] https://earth.org/sponge-cities-could-be-the-answer-to-impending-water-crisis-in-china/
[7] CN205839508U
[8] https://www.chapmantaylor.com/insights/what-are-sponge-cities-and-why-are-they-the-future-of-urban-design
