01 · CONTEXT
THE COUNTRY
Colombia is one of the world's most biodiverse nations, yet faces mounting pressure from deforestation, climate-driven flooding, and soil degradation. With 2.09M hectares of forest lost in 12 years and 25% of the population exposed to flood risk, the urgency for sustainable solutions is real.
THE PROJECT
As part of GSU's International Virtual Exchange program, our team collaborated with students from UNIFOR Brazil to analyze two Emerging Technology Innovations (ETIs) and their business, policy, and community implications for Colombia.
FOREST LOST (12 YRS)
2.09M
Hectares, 39% of tree cover
EMISSION TARGET
51%
Reduction by 2030 (COP26)
SOLAR INVESTMENT
$200M
Park powering 80,000+ homes
FLOOD RISK
25%
Of population constantly exposed
02 · THE TWO ETIs
We each selected an Emerging Technology Innovation tied to Colombia's sustainability challenges. Our team analyzed both in depth, examining the science, the business case, and the path to scale.
ENHANCED WEATHERING
Crushed silicate rocks spread over farmland react with CO₂ and moisture, converting atmospheric carbon into stable mineral forms. A 4-year U.S. study found 12–16% crop yield increases and up to 10 tons of CO₂ removed per hectare. Colombia's volcanic geology makes it an ideal candidate.
RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION
Colombia generates ~70% of energy from hydropower, which is vulnerable to climate disruption. The country is pivoting to solar and wind, backed by a $200M solar park in Montería and the Energy Transition Law aligning with Paris Agreement commitments.
03 · WHY NOW · FOUR DRIVERS
Four converging forces are making this the right moment for Colombia to act on both ETIs.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Deforestation, flooding, and soil degradation forcing urgent climate action.
ECONOMIC
Fossil fuel volatility pushing toward sustainable growth and new job sectors.
GLOBAL POLICY
Paris Agreement, COP26, and E2050 strategy creating formal alignment.
TECHNOLOGY
Cheaper solar, better turbines, and improved mineral processing making both ETIs viable at scale.
04 · STAKEHOLDER IMPACT
Who is affected by these two ETIs, and how.
| STAKEHOLDER | POSITIVE IMPACTS | CHALLENGES |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers & Rural Communities | Improved soil quality, higher crop yields, reduced fertilizer costs from enhanced weathering. | Need technical guidance for rock application; risk of disruption from mining or land use changes. |
| Government | Advances climate goals, satisfies international obligations, positions Colombia as a sustainability leader. | Must regulate rock mining, ensure compliance standards, and fund capital-intensive projects. |
| Workers & Businesses | New jobs in solar/wind construction, maintenance, and EW implementation; new economic sectors emerge. | Requires reskilling; initial capital investment is high; rural infrastructure gaps remain. |
| General Public | Cleaner air, healthier soils, more stable and affordable energy, reduced climate risk. | Renewable construction may affect indigenous land or local ecosystems if not carefully managed. |
05 · KEY TAKEAWAYS
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Colombia's sustainability shift is a business opportunity, not just compliance. Companies positioning as sustainability partners in agribusiness, energy, or tech services will be best placed for long-term growth.
PRIMARY BARRIER
Capital availability is the main obstacle to scale for both ETIs. Without sustained investment and international partnerships, even the most viable technologies stall at the pilot stage.
06 · REFLECTION
WHAT I LEARNED
As team leader I coordinated across a multi-university, internationally distributed team, managing timelines, integrating sections, and handling final submission. This project is also where I earned my International Virtual Exchange Badge from Georgia State University. What stayed with me: sustainability, economics, and policy are deeply interconnected. Enhanced weathering isn't just an environmental story, it's an agricultural economics story and a carbon markets story. The story is always in the data.