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As Earth Day approaches, the global conversation around climate action and sustainability reminds us that the choices we make today will shape the future of our planet. For Dr. Nik Tehrani, a Lecturer of Management at the Leavey School of Business, the path toward a healthier planet runs through innovation in clean energy. In his recent paper, , Dr. Tehrani explores how emerging technologies could reshape how societies generate power while reducing their environmental impact.

While fossil fuel consumption has slowly declined over the past four decades, the pace of change remains far too slow to reverse the damage already inflicted on our planet. Dr. Tehrani's paper focuses on the growing need to transition away from fossil fuels and accelerate the development of renewable energy sources. It highlights several lesser-known but promising solutions that could help diversify the global energy portfolio — geothermal energy, tidal power, and algae biofuels.

“The transition to clean energy is essential to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption and reduce global carbon emissions,” Dr. Tehrani explains in his paper. “Emerging technologies like geothermal, tidal energy, and algae-based fuels can play an important role in building a diversified, sustainable energy mix for the future.”

That emphasis on diversity in energy solutions is central to Dr. Tehrani’s work. In the paper, geothermal energy stands out as one of the most reliable forms of renewable power. Generated from heat beneath the Earth’s surface, geothermal systems can produce consistent electricity without the intermittency challenges associated with solar or wind power. Countries such as Iceland and the Philippines already rely heavily on geothermal systems, while the United States leads global production, with California generating a significant portion of its electricity through geothermal plants.

Another technology Dr. Tehrani examines is tidal energy, which harnesses the natural rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity. Because tidal cycles are highly predictable, this form of renewable energy could provide a dependable complement to other clean energy sources. Large-scale projects in countries such as France and South Korea demonstrate that tidal energy can be deployed at an industrial scale, though challenges remain in terms of construction costs and environmental impacts on marine ecosystems.

Perhaps the most innovative solution highlighted in Dr. Tehrani’s paper involves algae-based biofuels. Microalgae — tiny photosynthetic organisms — can grow rapidly and produce oils that can be converted into biodiesel or even aviation fuel. Unlike traditional crops used for biofuels, algae can grow on non-arable land and absorb carbon dioxide during their growth cycle, helping reduce greenhouse gas concentrations. Research programs and pilot projects around the world are exploring how algae cultivation could become a scalable, carbon-neutral fuel source.

Dr. Tehrani’s interest in sustainability reflects a long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible business practices. His work builds on years of interest in green business and sustainable development, including earlier publications and participation in workshops focused on sustainability initiatives. He has consistently sought to promote solutions that create both environmental and economic benefits while encouraging organizations to adopt greener practices.

The timing of this work feels particularly fitting as communities worldwide prepare to celebrate Earth Day, a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect the planet. For Dr. Tehrani, sustainable energy innovation is not only a scientific or technological challenge — it’s a societal imperative. By investing in new forms of renewable energy and supporting research that expands the clean energy landscape, policymakers, businesses, and researchers can help accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral future.

Ultimately, Dr. Tehrani believes that the solution to climate change will not come from a single breakthrough technology but from a combination of approaches working together. Geothermal power can deliver stable electricity, tidal systems can harness predictable ocean cycles, and algae biofuels can create renewable fuels compatible with existing infrastructure. Together, these innovations illustrate how a diversified energy strategy could help power the world while preserving the environment for generations to come.

As Earth Day encourages reflection on the planet’s future, Dr. Tehrani’s paper offers a hopeful reminder: the technologies needed to build a more sustainable world are already emerging. With continued investment, innovation, and global collaboration, these solutions could soon play a transformative role in reshaping the world’s energy landscape.