Page 55 - Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

Frontier Technologies to Protect the Environment and Tackle Climate Change

c. 5G for smart water supply management to help reduce water loss and inefficiencies

5G technology refers to the fifth generation of cellular networking technology that is expected to offer
faster speeds, less latency and more coverage, in addition to longer battery life, larger data transfer
capabilities, greater potential for cloud processing and improved overall reliability. While existing 4G
networks typically allow for 1 000 devices to be connected per square kilometer (km ), 5G networks
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and technologies are expected to connect some one million devices per km . 5G devices will include
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not only smartphones, but various vehicles, appliances, and other technologies that are all part of
the emerging Internet of Things (IoT).
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5G technology is expected to be more directional and efficient than current technologies, resulting in
less energy and power being wasted. Preliminary findings suggest that large-scale 5G adoption may
help cities save up to 70 per cent in overall energy usage for networks in areas of public health, safety,
transit, and utilities management. For example, 5G can enable the adoption of more driverless cars,
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seamlessly operate public cameras, and provide high connectivity speeds to magnetometers that
track traffic flows and volumes in real-time. Water availability, air quality, and energy efficiency in a
city can all be improved by a network of 5G-enabled sensors and corresponding computers analysing
data in real time. Positive outcomes and cost savings can be realized for overall public health and
environmental conservation by reducing waste using 5G technologies.
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This section will focus on water availability, efficiency and conservation as potentially facilitated by
5G technologies. Continuing waste of water and diminishing freshwater supplies are complex yet
urgent issues within the context of climate change. UN-Water has summarized the key relationship
between climate change trends and water security and potability, as follows: ‘Water is the primary
medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change. Water availability is becoming less
predictable in many places, and increased incidences of flooding threaten to destroy water points and
sanitation facilities and contaminate water sources. In some regions, droughts are exacerbating water
scarcity and thereby negatively impacting people’s health and productivity. Ensuring that everyone
has access to sustainable water and sanitation services is a critical climate change response strategy
for the years ahead.
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