From Fusion to Flood Defence: The Climate Technologies Shaping Future Cities

Cities around the world are entering a new era of technological transformation. Climate change, population growth and ageing infrastructure are forcing urban planners to rethink how cities are designed and managed. In response, a growing number of technologies are being developed to support sustainable and resilient urban systems.

These innovations are at the heart of SusHi Tech Tokyo, which focuses on technologies that can shape the cities of the future. From advanced energy systems to climate monitoring platforms, the event highlights how technological progress is increasingly intertwined with sustainability.

Energy Systems for a Low-Carbon Future

Energy remains one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to low-carbon energy systems is therefore essential for achieving climate goals.

In addition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, researchers and startups are exploring next-generation technologies that could transform the global energy landscape.

Fusion energy is one of the most ambitious examples. Companies such as Kyoto Fusioneering are developing engineering technologies required for future fusion reactors. Fusion has the potential to produce large amounts of energy without carbon emissions or long-term radioactive waste.

While commercial deployment may still take time, the growing number of startups working in this sector reflects renewed interest in the technology.

Smart Infrastructure and Urban Resilience

Cities must also adapt to the increasing risks posed by climate change. Flooding, storms and extreme weather events threaten urban infrastructure and disrupt economic activity. Technologies that improve disaster monitoring and response are therefore becoming increasingly important.

Satellite data systems provide one example of how digital technologies can support resilience. Companies such as Synspective use satellite imagery to monitor environmental conditions and assess damage following disasters.

These systems allow governments to respond more quickly and make better decisions during emergencies. In addition to digital monitoring tools, cities are investing in physical infrastructure designed to reduce climate risks.

Tokyo’s flood defence systems, including underground water reservoirs designed to manage stormwater, illustrate how engineering and technology can work together to protect urban areas.

Robotics and Infrastructure Maintenance

Maintaining urban infrastructure is another major challenge for cities. Bridges, tunnels, power lines and pipelines require regular inspection and maintenance. In many cases, these environments can be hazardous for human workers.

Robotics technologies are increasingly being deployed to perform these tasks. Inspection robots equipped with sensors and cameras can monitor infrastructure conditions and identify potential problems before they become critical. These technologies can improve safety while also reducing maintenance costs.

Sustainable Materials and Construction

The construction sector also plays a crucial role in the environmental footprint of cities. Producing cement, steel and other building materials generates large amounts of carbon emissions. As a result, new construction technologies are being developed to reduce environmental impact.

Automation, digital design tools and alternative materials are all contributing to a more sustainable approach to urban development. Companies exploring automated construction methods, including 3D-printed housing systems, are experimenting with ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

One of the defining characteristics of modern innovation is that cities themselves are becoming laboratories for technological experimentation.

Urban environments provide complex systems where new technologies can be tested at scale. Transportation networks, energy systems and digital infrastructure all offer opportunities for experimentation and improvement.

Events such as SusHi Tech Tokyo bring together startups, engineers, policymakers and investors working on these technologies. By creating a platform where ideas can be exchanged and collaborations formed, such events accelerate the process of turning innovation into practical solutions.

The Future of Urban Sustainability

The cities of the future will be shaped by the technologies that are being developed today. Energy systems must become cleaner, infrastructure more resilient and resource use more efficient. Achieving these goals will require collaboration across industries, governments and research institutions.

As technologies continue to evolve, the innovations emerging from the global climate technology ecosystem may redefine how cities operate. SusHi Tech Tokyo offers a glimpse into that future, where technology and sustainability converge to build urban environments capable of thriving in a changing world.