How Internet of Things (IoT) technology helps address climate change and environmental challenges

Smart watches, smart homes, smart cars, smart speakers, the list goes on. IoT is the driving force behind smart technologies, helping us manage daily tasks seamlessly.

With the integration of satellite networks, IoT devices enable seamless connectivity and data exchange. As a result of this unique capability, global satellite IoT connections are set to grow rapidly.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT has transformed connectivity and automation across a myriad of industries, heralding substantial progress towards tackling society’s environmental and sustainability challenges.

This technology, when combined with satellite connectivity, allows for extensive data collection and control, enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of remote operations that were previously inaccessible via traditional networks.

The benefits of satellite-based IoT are vast, from smarter farming practices, remote energy management, weather monitoring, wildlife conservation, and environmental risk assessment to reducing carbon emissions and improving ESG reporting.

Key takeaways:

• Satellite-enabled IoT technology offers unique approaches to tackle the many aspects of addressing climate change.
• IoT can help monitor the environment, mitigate the damage caused by natural disasters, manage wildlife, track wildfires, reduce emissions and conserve water.
• Together with our ELEVATE partners, we are helping to develop innovative IoT solutions that can help preserve and protect our planet.

An ecosystem of innovation

The escalating effects of climate change are intensifying challenges across industries, driving demand for innovative technological solutions to combat these impacts. Businesses increasingly recognize the potential of satellite-enabled IoT technologies to enhance remote operations and improve sustainability.

To drive progress in the IoT industry, Viasat launched ELEVATE, a unique partner program supporting businesses across the IoT ecosystem. This initiative fosters collaboration to develop groundbreaking IoT technologies aimed at forging a smarter, safer and more sustainable future.

1. Water conservation

The World Bank reports that agriculture uses 70% of all freshwater withdrawals. Freshwater makes up only 0.55% of Earth’s water, making it a precious resource to manage and protect.

Sustainable water usage is a key priority for agriculture, especially with climate change increasing pressure. IoT helps agricultural businesses use natural resources more efficiently and reduce harmful by-products. Satellite technologies, like IoT sensors, have helped our partners like Farmbot, Sensoterra and MinFarm, support their customers’ ability collecting data on weather patterns, soil moisture analysis, and real-time updates on water usage. Sustainability benefits include water conservation, energy efficiency, improved crop yields, and reduced fuel consumption.

We collaborated with our ELEVATE partner, Farmbot Monitoring Solutions, to equip Arizona’s 300,000 acre Bar T Bar Cattle Ranch with satellite-enabled water level monitors, rain gauges, and remote pump controls. Ranchers now remotely manage their entire water system via a mobile app to monitor water levels and control machinery, like pumps, without traveling to each site, significantly cutting down on fuel consumption.

2. Environmental monitoring

Satellite connectivity enables real-time data collection from IoT sensors and monitoring systems, even in remote locations. IoT allows reliable, cost-effective data transmission using IP-based telemetry and logging. For instance, ELEVATE partner, Unidata, supports sensor and camera technology to track water levels in streams and rivers, aiding water resource management and damage mitigation. Through this service, Unidata can store, analyze, report, and transfer data to external systems for future forecasting.

Additionally, IoT sensors can monitor carbon dioxide levels in various environments, from farms to remote forests.

3. Natural disasters

Natural disasters and climate change are closely linked. IoT sensors provide valuable weather data and prove especially useful when disasters impact energy grids. With IoT, utility companies can remotely monitor and control critical infrastructure like reclosers and substations in extreme weather conditions. This enables critical power grids to get back up and running more quickly.

ELEVATE partner Global Beam Telecom uses remote monitoring technology to gather environmental data to aid disaster response and reduce unexpected downtime through intelligent alerts on crucial equipment.

Furthermore, first responders and power crews can send field photos or videos to swiftly diagnose damage, join video conferences, or connect remote teams on the go.

4 . Wildlife management

Climate change and extreme weather events are impacting global ecosystems. These shifts intensify other threats like habitat loss, wildlife overexploitation, and disease. From shrinking polar bear habitats to water scarcity driving human-wildlife conflict, these issues will worsen in coming years.

AI and camera-based alert systems can safeguard wildlife, forests, people, and industrial resources in remote areas. Our ELEVATE partner, RESOLVE, offers unique technology that detects and accurately identifies intrusions before they cause harm. Their anti-poaching software, tauted as Time Magazines Best Innovations for 2023, relies on our robust satellite network, ensuring reliable communications to protect nature, no matter the location.

5. Wildfires

Climate change creates warmer, drier conditions, extending and intensifying fire seasons.

Satellite connectivity can significantly impact wildfire detection. Our ELEVATE partner, Insign Solutions, created the Forest Capsule to sense early wildfire indicators. This AI-enabled device uses our reliable satellite connectivity and can be deployed globally. It monitors temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and CO2 for initial fire signs. Upon detection, it provides a GPS location and risk level estimate.

6. Emissions

IoT devices can help oil, gas, and transportation sectors minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Fleet managers can use IoT sensors, smart telematics, and other technologies to monitor engine status and detect anomalies. This helps limit CO2 emissions, extend vehicle lifespan, and reduce waste from faulty equipment, engine damage, and poor route planning.

For instance, our ELEVATE partner, TCTEC Telecom, uses our satellite network to enhance fleet monitoring and automation, even in remote areas. Their end-to-end IoT solutions provide real-time supply chain visibility. This includes live indicators, vehicle monitoring, and fuel auditing to boost efficiency and lower emissions.

Additionally, ELEVATE partner SnapGIS’s AI-enabled Spark platform delivers granular, unified, actionable insights to help organizations optimize performance by monitoring critical oil and gas infrastructure.

7. Smart energy grids

The energy industry is transforming swiftly. Satellite-enabled IoT applications help meet the increasing demand for efficient energy resource use.

IoT-enabled smart grids optimize power distribution, including wind and solar. Real-time monitoring can detect fuel and gas leaks in remote locations, alerting operators to potential environmental impacts.

IoT brings value to every phase of the energy production and distribution supply chain. During exploration, IoT speeds up and enhances seismic data acquisition and analysis, leading to faster and safer oil and gas extraction. In the extraction and drilling process, IoT facilitates real-time process monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimizing environmental impacts.

Our ELEVATE partner, Applied Satellite Technology (AST), delivers real-time monitoring, alerting, and management of smart meter systems to promote energy efficiency.

Time to get smart

Climate change, population growth, and environmental concerns challenge all industries to produce more while reducing environmental impacts.

our partners are increasingly using satellite-enabled IoT technologies to support their customer’s needs. These technologies can also be used to reduce environmental impacts across diverse industries, from energy and agriculture to transportation, together, we can help companies better care for our shared environment through our partner network and satellite communications.

If you would like to learn more about the ELEVATE marketplace or the other partners and satellite IoT solutions available, visit: ELEVATE