Internet of Things (IoT) in Emission & Land Monitoring

Why is IoT Important in Environmental Monitoring?

Climate change and land degradation are two major issues that are becoming increasingly urgent today. Data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that greenhouse gas emissions from the energy, transportation, and land-use sectors continue to rise. In this context, accurate and real-time monitoring is key to making data-driven decisions. This is where the Internet of Things (IoT) comes in.

IoT enables small sensors connected to the internet to continuously collect field data. From air quality, soil moisture, temperature, to water table levels in peatlands, everything can be monitored without having to rely on manual surveys, which usually take a lot of time and money.

The data collected by sensors is transmitted via networks (such as LoRaWAN, 4G/5G, or satellites) to a central server. The data is then analyzed using specific algorithms, including AI/ML, to generate insights that can be used to make informed and sustainable decisions.

IoT in Land Monitoring

Apart from emissions, IoT also plays a major role in land monitoring. For example:

• Soil moisture and air temperature sensors can help determine the best time for irrigation, making water use more efficient.
• Satellite imagery combined with field sensors can detect potential deforestation more quickly and accurately.
• Bioacoustic devices can monitor biodiversity by recording the sounds of wildlife encountered in the field.

The use of these technologies allows for data-driven and precise land monitoring, helping to prevent damage before it becomes a major problem.

Challenges in Implementing Environmental IoT

Although promising, there are still some challenges to overcome:

• Implementation Costs: IoT sensors, though becoming more affordable, still require initial investment.
• Connectivity: Many forest or conservation areas are difficult to reach with internet networks.
• Data Standardization: Not all countries have established common standards for environmental IoT data.
• Security: Environmental data must also be protected to prevent misuse.

However, with the growing global attention to sustainability, these challenges are gradually being addressed through innovations such as energy-efficient sensors, AI integration for data analysis, cloud platforms for real-time monitoring, and cross-sector collaboration between governments, tech companies, and research institutions.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) paves the way for more accurate, efficient, and transparent monitoring of emissions and land. This technology helps various stakeholders, from governments and private sectors to communities, to better understand environmental conditions and take appropriate action.

Monitoring emissions and land-use change is often challenging because on-the-ground data can be difficult to obtain consistently. To address this, Jejakin has developed CarbonAtlas, a platform that integrates IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and data analytics to support transparency in environmental programs. If you would like to learn how this technology is being applied in Indonesia, our team is ready to share more insights. Contact us now.