The use of optical sensor networks makes it possible to deploy optical sensors in a wide variety of environmental situations. Figure 3 provides examples of OWC application in the context of environmental monitoring.

Sensors that are integrated with OWC technology are used to monitor the levels of water, the flow rates of rivers, and the patterns of rainfall in areas that are prone to floods (Shilengwe et al., 2023; Tarpanelli and Benveniste, 2019) respectively. Taking advantage of the real-time data collected by these sensors and utilizing it to develop prediction models that accurately reflect flooding events is something that governments should do in order to better its readiness and response plans. In addition, optical water control systems make use of optical sensors that are able to detect potentially harmful impurities such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. As said in the citation (Bílek et al., 2021), the fundamental purpose of this technology is to ensure the protection of the health of the general population through the activation of alarms and the development of measures to solve issues. As a result of the fact that they are able to detect concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb), these sensors are absolutely suitable for use in metropolitan settings, which are places where it is of the utmost importance to monitor the quality of the air.

The exploitation of plasmonic nanoparticles and nanowall honeycomb structures is now conceivable for the development of ultrasensitive optical sensors for carbon dioxide gas, as demonstrated by Elrashidi et al. (2022) and Kumar and Reddy (2022). The enhancements will significantly aid in localized monitoring, facilitating the detection of pollution sources and the implementation of targeted remedies. In the context of land movement and seismic waves, the OWC has established seismic monitoring stations. In accordance with the findings presented in Huang et al. (2023) and Johni et al. (2022), this indeed contributes significantly to disaster preparedness and guarantees prompt earthquake alerts. This capability is extremely significant for reducing the intensity of the effects that earthquakes have on people and the things that they own. Notifying people in a timely manner can make a significant difference, perhaps saving lives and significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to respond to an emergency situation.

However, OWC-based environmental monitoring systems need reliable power, well-positioned sensors, and strong connectivity. In remote or underdeveloped areas, solar panels and other renewable energy sources are more reliable. Modern data compression methods improve data transit efficiency, which speeds up emergency reaction times. Data management and analysis solutions are essential for managing vast amounts of environmental data collected by OWC-equipped sensors. Table 2 illustrates the main applications of optical wireless communications in environmental monitoring.

OWC networks significantly enhance the advancement of smart grid technologies, which are crucial for the modernization of energy infrastructure and the optimization of energy consumption in urban and rural settings as demonstrated by Zhang et al. (2023), Zhou et al. (2020), Rodríguez et al. (2023), Asha et al. (2023), and Fresno-Hernndez et al. (2023).

Integrating personalized smart meters, sensors, and actuators is really important for making demand response strategies and load balancing work effectively. This could lead to a 15% reduction in energy waste (U.S. Department of Energy, 2016) and a 10%–20% decrease in utility costs (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 2019). Demand-side management programs, including peak shaving and time-of-use pricing, encourage energy conservation and support the integration of renewable energy sources, thus improving grid sustainability. Studies demonstrate that smart grids employing optical wireless communication can enhance the integration of renewable energy by roughly 30% (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2018). This enhancement diminishes dependence on fossil fuels and supports the transition to a low-carbon energy future (Khan et al., 2023).

The study by Zhang et al. (2023) highlights the significance of adaptive resource provisioning in optical networks for power grids, enabling dynamic resource allocation, improving performance, and reducing operational costs. OWC enhances data transmission rates and meets the increased bandwidth requirements of 5G-enabled smart grids, facilitating real-time monitoring and management of energy resources (Zhou et al., 2020). The incorporation of wireless communication technologies in smart grid distribution networks improves reliability and efficiency, thus enhancing adaptability to variations in energy supply and demand (Rodríguez et al., 2023). Prioritizing energy-efficient communication strategies is crucial for sustainable operations. Optimized communication protocols in optical networks eliminate unnecessary path reservation criteria, thereby ensuring reliable packet transmission between nodes and enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the network (Asha et al., 2023). The advancements highlight the capacity of optical wireless networks to enhance grid stability, resilience, and sustainability.

Furthermore, OWC networks facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources such as solar panels and wind turbines, thereby advancing a more decentralized energy system. This approach not only cuts down on transmission losses but also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting local energy generation is really important for adapting to climate change. These systems help us become more energy independent and better equipped to handle supply chain disruptions that can occur due to climate events. Meinardi et al. (2024) point out how combining certification grade quantum dot luminescent solar concentrators with OWC technology could boost energy capture and improve communication in connected sustainable architecture. Their research shows that adding OWC to solar concentrators can boost energy efficiency by as much as 25%, all while enabling real-time data transmission for improved energy management. This new approach not only helps cut down the carbon footprint of energy systems but also boosts the overall effectiveness of efforts to tackle climate change. Table 3 illustrates the main applications of optical wireless communications in smart grids and energy efficiency.

OWC networks are crucial in the field of precision agriculture because they have the ability to improve resource usage, boost agricultural productivity, and lessen the impact on the environment. As depicted in Figure 4, the precision agricultural systems that are developed by OWC make use of optical sensors in the fields to measure the levels of soil moisture and nutrients, as well as to assess the general health of the crops that are being produced.

Agriculture is integrating OWC networks with sensor networks. Sensors and optical transceivers regularly monitor temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. Optical sensors perform throughout spectrums, including visible and near-infrared wavelengths (Yue et al., 2023). They enable chlorophyll detection and plant health assessments. Sensors have high electromagnetic interference resistance and appropriate data bandwidth. They established a wireless connection to a central node or gateway using optical signals. The central node is responsible for gathering information from a wide variety of sensors and sending it to a cloud-based platform for comprehensive analysis. By utilizing mobile applications or internet interfaces, farmers are given the ability to access environmental data in real time. This results in the application of procedures that are driven by data, which leads to improvements in irrigation scheduling, water conservation, and increased agricultural yields. OWC technology has been found to improve irrigation techniques by delivering water directly to the roots of plants. This is accomplished by using real-time monitoring of soil moisture. Putting these strategies into action not only lowers the operational costs that farmers have to bear, but it also improves water conservation, which leads to significant enhancements in water-use efficiency, which could potentially reach as high as 30% (Sairam, 2023). These devices are designed to reduce the likelihood of over-watering, which ultimately leads to an increase in precision and, as a consequence, a reduction in the amount of water pollution that occurs. A further indication of the significance of this matter is the possibility of fertilizer penetration into groundwater.

OWC-facilitated nutrient monitoring systems provide farmers with the ability to apply fertilizers with higher precision, which ultimately leads to enhanced nutrient uptake and less runoff into waterways (Lincy et al., 2023). The results of studies suggest that the use of these methods could result in a substantial reduction of 20%–25% in the amount of fertilizer applied, while simultaneously increasing crop yields to a higher extent. According to controlled research, farmers that make adjustments to their fertilizer treatments through the use of real-time data see a 15% boost in yields, which ultimately leads to an improvement in profitability. The study by Kirkeby et al. (2021) uses optical sensors and machine learning techniques to automatically identify flying insects. The study shows that machine learning models can classify insects trapped on yellow sticky traps using RGB images and a maximum recall of 93.97%. It highlights significant issues, since caged insects deteriorated after seven days, reducing categorization accuracy and model reliability. Model training and validation are crucial to ecological monitoring, and the authors suggest that pooling procedures may improve insect category identification rates.

Through the implementation of smart farming solutions that are made possible by OWC, it is possible to achieve the goals of increasing the effectiveness of agricultural supply chains and strengthening the resistance of food production to the effects of climate change at the same time. These kind of accomplishments are attainable through the application of a wide variety of cutting-edge agricultural practices. The utilization of data from environmental monitoring systems, in conjunction with crop growth models and weather forecasts, enables farmers to efficiently address the problems that are posed by climate extremes, such as heatwaves, droughts, and flooding. Table 4 illustrates the main applications of optical wireless communications in smart grids and energy efficiency.

In Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) (Figure 5), OWC can improve vehicle-to-everything (V2X) data transfer speed and reliability. This technology allows autonomous vehicle navigation, real-time traffic management, and safety alerts. By integrating OWC, ITS can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, contributing to more sustainable urban mobility solutions.

The research conducted by El-Garhy et al. (2023) examines the integration of OWC with Intelligent Transportation Systems, emphasizing the transformative potential of this technology in urban environments. This article provides a detailed analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of employing WOC in transportation networks, comparing it with other wireless technologies that are presently utilized. The research findings indicate that OWC can improve data transmission speed, decrease latency, and mitigate radio frequency congestion in urban settings. This capability is essential considering the increasing population in urban regions. ITS utilizes VLC for data transmission via light-emitting diodes. The capability for data transfer rates exceeding gigabits per second is facilitated by the rapid modulation of the LED light's intensity. This capability enables integration with diverse lighting systems and streetlights, leading to a decrease in infrastructure costs. Research has shown that vehicle-to-light communication technology facilitates the instantaneous exchange of information among vehicles, traffic signals, and infrastructure, thereby greatly improving communication within urban environments (Garai et al., 2016). This function enables drivers to remain cognizant of potential hazards, thereby enhancing traffic flow, minimizing congestion, and elevating the overall safety of the roadway for all users. The research outlined in Krichen et al. (2016) details the development of a reliable optical wireless communication system designed for monitoring the condition of railway networks. This system aims to streamline the real-time transfer of monitoring data by employing optical wireless technology. This would lead to enhanced maintenance strategies and improved safety protocols for railways. The study's findings indicate that optical networks can provide reliable and high-bandwidth communication in challenging environments, such as tunnels and rural areas, where conventional radio communication may fail. To reduce radio frequency congestion and enhance the efficiency of communication networks, FSO technology is essential in densely populated urban areas. The combination of ITS and OWC technologies, including the hybrid RF-VLC V2X communication systems examined by Singh et al. (2023), has led to significant progress in traffic management and monitoring. The use of solar-powered LED lighting alongside VLC technology positively influences pedestrian movement in urban settings. This integration facilitates high-speed communication networks, thereby playing a significant role in the reduction of carbon emissions (Huang et al., 2024).

Collecting and analyzing data from various sources, such as infrastructure and autos, is essential for intelligent algorithms to predict traffic patterns and facilitate proactive management techniques (Alharbi et al., 2023). The integration of blockchain technology and sensor networks into intelligent transportation systems enhances safety and boosts the efficiency of optical wireless communication. This combination allows intelligent transportation systems to utilize wireless sensor networks for monitoring vehicle status, identifying potential issues, and enabling timely repairs (Danys et al., 2021). Blockchain technology further improves interactions between infrastructure and vehicles while enhancing data transmission security.

The advancement of OWC technology and its integration into intelligent transportation systems is expected to significantly alter urban mobility dynamics. By combining sensor networks, machine learning algorithms, and secure data transfer protocols with VLC and FSO, there are substantial opportunities to enhance urban mobility management, reduce emissions, and build resilience against climate-related challenges. Table 5 illustrates the main applications of optical wireless communications in intelligent transportation systems.

Disaster management has become increasingly important in light of the impacts of climate change, with OWC technologies such as FSO and VLC presenting substantial opportunities to improve disaster resilience (Figure 6). These technologies enhance communication systems in disaster-prone regions, facilitating the rapid transmission of real-time data essential for response emergencies. Recent studies indicate that FSO systems can attain data rates similar to those of fiber optics, thereby providing dependable communication under challenging conditions. The research conducted by Jeyaseelan et al. (2019) highlights the resilience and adaptability of FSO communication in post-disaster contexts, especially under adverse weather conditions such as fog and rain. The study use adaptive modulation techniques for reliable data transmission, offering a rapid deployment solution for disaster response operations. Additionally, Mrabet and Sliti (2024) study FSO communications in arid environments, demonstrating that OWC networks can operate effectively even in extreme temperatures and during sandstorms which enhances their efficacy in managing disasters.

In emergency situations, the implementation of VLC systems that employ LEDs for rapid data transmission can significantly improve situational awareness (Varghese et al., 2022). LEDs are capable of modulating light intensity at high frequencies, thereby enabling data transmission rates to exceed 1 Gbps.The integration of VLC with existing infrastructure, such as streetlights, results in substantial cost savings and enhanced reliability in communication networks. Research indicates that FSO communication technology can enhance real-time data transmission in environments where conventional communication infrastructures are compromised due to natural disasters. This facilitates a more timely and effective response from emergency teams. This capability is essential for preventing delays and improving overall coordination during evacuations, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

OWC technology allows drones to autonomously establish communication links, thus removing the need for ground-based infrastructure. This innovation results in a significant forty percent reduction in information transmission delays, as highlighted in Varghese et al. (2022). These enhancements are critical for protecting communities and optimizing the coordination of relief efforts. The system improves the disaster response capabilities of emergency management teams by facilitating the swift transmission of reports. However, obstacles persist in the integration of OWC technology into current disaster management systems. There is substantial potential for urban areas to address the challenges associated with climate change through the integration of OWC networks into disaster management systems. By reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, the combination of FSO and VLC enhances urban resilience to climate-related disasters and promotes sustainability. Table 6 illustrates the primary applications of optical wireless communications in disaster management systems.

Optical wireless networks play a crucial role in climate research and Earth observation by employing advanced satellite communication systems. The systems are engineered to gather, relay, and evaluate data from remote sensing platforms located in orbit around the Earth, as depicted in Figure 7. Earth observation satellites transmit substantial amounts of climate data, which encompasses sea surface temperatures, alterations in land cover, glacier melt rates, and atmospheric composition, to terrestrial receiving stations via high-capacity optical communication networks. For example, the Sentinel-2 satellites, managed by the European Space Agency, generate a daily data output of 10 gigabytes. The satellites deliver high-resolution imagery and achieve sensor data transmission rates that exceed 1 Gbps utilizing optical communication techniques. This significantly improves data transport speed compared to conventional RF systems, which operate within the range of 10–100 Mbps (European Space Agency, 2021; ApogeoSpatial, 2023).

Satellites that utilize optical communication technology have the ability to monitor carbon dioxide levels, which reached an average of 417 ppm in 2023. This reflects a notable rise from 280 ppm before the onset of the industrial revolution (Dath and Faye, 2020). The collection of real-time data is crucial for understanding the processes underlying climate change and improving climate modeling initiatives. In addition, optical communication systems improve the functionality of catastrophe monitoring satellites. This technology enables swift reactions to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires by providing critical information in minutes rather than hours (Arya et al., 2023). Recent studies suggest that optical communications could significantly transform satellite systems, especially in deep space communications, while also revealing global climatic patterns. This study emphasizes the growing significance of optical communication technology in Earth monitoring and interplanetary data transmission (Karmous et al., 2024). Table 7 illustrates the main applications of optical wireless communications in satellite earth observation.

Marine conservation and ocean monitoring, as depicted in Figure 8, are essential in addressing the intricate challenges posed by climate change. OWC technologies, particularly underwater visible light communication (UVLC) and free-space optical (FSO) systems, are essential for facilitating real-time data transmission and analysis in marine environments. The implementation of these technologies enhances our ability to monitor ocean conditions, which is essential for effective conservation initiatives.

Recent advancements in optical wireless communication have shown notable improvements in data transmission rates and reliability. For example, Ali et al. (2022) developed a dual-hop mixed FSO-VLC underwater communication link that achieved a significant data rate of 1.2 Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters, even under turbulent water conditions (Arya et al., 2023). The system's performance is critical for applications such as real-time monitoring of underwater ecosystems. Rapid data transfer is essential for improving decision-making processes in conservation initiatives. Furthermore, Ali et al. (2023) conducted a performance evaluation of a vertical VLC link across various water mediums, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in diverse aquatic environments. The results indicate that this method can maintain a low bit error rate (BER) of 10⁻⁶ over varying distances (Ali et al., 2023).

The integration of intelligent sensor systems with ocean wave energy conversion technologies enables continuous monitoring of underwater conditions. A sensor-based monitoring system was developed by Premkumardeepak and Krishnan (2017) capable of detecting pollutant concentrations as low as 0.01 mg/L in real time. The demonstrated sensitivity is crucial for timely interventions that can mitigate pollution and safeguard marine ecosystems (Premkumardeepak and Krishnan, 2017). Additionally, Biswal et al. (2023) investigated a novel underwater channel model for optical wireless communication in log-normal turbulent conditions, highlighting the importance of robust communication protocols to ensure reliable data transmission in fluctuating underwater environments (Biswal et al., 2023).

The implementation of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems enhances the reliability and throughput of underwater communication. A MIMO-UVLC system can achieve data rates greater than 5 Mbps while operating effectively at distances ranging from 30 to 50 meters (Sliti and Garai, 2023). This advancement enables comprehensive data collection, essential for formulating mitigation strategies and executing adaptive measures in marine conservation.

The implementation of OWC systems in marine environments is crucial for monitoring and optimizing renewable energy sources. The implementation of OWC for connecting offshore wind farms reduces carbon emissions by facilitating efficient energy distribution, thus supporting climate change mitigation efforts. Adaptation involves altering practices to reduce the impacts of climate change. In ocean monitoring, adaptation strategies may include the protection of essential habitats and the improvement of resilience in marine ecosystems. Table 8 outlines the key applications of optical wireless communications in marine conservation and ocean monitoring.

The Smart Cities initiative was launched as part of Saudi Vision 2030 to address the challenges associated with rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia, a nation with a population of 32.2 million. Seventeen localities have successfully implemented smart urban initiatives, resulting in Riyadh achieving coverage for 72% of its population. Riyadh's evolution into a smarter city serves as a case study of Saudi Arabia's transformation, as evidenced by its ranking of 30th out of 141 cities in the Smart City Index 2023 (World Competitiveness Center, 2023). Riyadh demonstrates strong performance across multiple areas, particularly in the E-Government Development Index, the Local Online Service Index, and the E-Participation Index, as indicated by evaluations from the United Nations. Riyadh is experiencing a notable transformation, propelled by financial resources and advanced technology that enable urban sustainability and development.

The communication infrastructure of the smart city initiative in Riyadh is significantly dependent on optical wireless networks (Gaul, 2021; Aldegheishem, 2023). Communications networks, positioned throughout the city, are designed to provide reliable connectivity in critical locations such as government buildings, public spaces, and major thoroughfares. The OWC networks in Riyadh provide critical high-speed wireless connectivity, enabling real-time applications such as environmental monitoring, traffic management, and video surveillance. This is accomplished by employing intricate modulation schemes and sophisticated signal processing methods. The network architecture incorporates fiber optic backhaul alongside traditional cable connections, thereby guaranteeing dependable data transmission and strong network performance, even in adverse weather conditions or other difficult scenarios. OWC networks play a vital role in the deployment of IoT sensors designed to monitor environmental conditions, facilitating the observation of pollutants, temperature, and air quality. The sensors utilize the OWC infrastructure to facilitate the wireless transmission of data to centralized monitoring centers. This enables swift analysis and informed decision-making to address environmental challenges effectively.

Saudi Arabia is making significant progress in its pursuit of sustainable energy alternatives. The country's energy framework is transforming due to continuous endeavors to modernize its energy infrastructure via projects such as Vision 2030 and the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) (Khan et al., 2023). Saudi Arabia is investing in smart grid infrastructure. This investment enables real-time monitoring and management of energy usage, grid stability, and power quality, aligning well with the nation's aim to digitize its energy industry. This financial investment facilitates the development of a more robust and efficient energy infrastructure, hence enhancing the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.

The nation is evidently dedicated to embracing renewable energy sources, as seen by its ambitious objectives and strategic financial commitments. Saudi Arabia is advancing significantly toward a low-carbon economy by utilizing its natural resources, particularly emphasizing solar and wind energy. Coastal regions and arid zones have significant opportunities for the utilization of wind energy. The expansive desert terrains and abundant sunlight create ideal circumstances for extensive solar energy initiatives. Saudi Arabia is implementing measures to diminish its dependence on fossil resources. The nation is enhancing its energy security and diversifying its energy sources by exploring renewable options.

Furthermore, advancements in smart grid technologies, energy storage systems, and grid stability methods facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. These developments enable the smooth integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into our electrical infrastructure, while ensuring reliability and stability. Saudi Arabia is engaging in international initiatives to address climate change and advance sustainable development. This pertains to the use of renewable energy technology and a dedication to innovation that guarantees the fulfillment of our energy requirements.

A sophisticated network of optical wireless communication systems meticulously established across the city-state underpins Singapore's Smart Nation initiative (Sipahi and Saayi, 2024). Singapore deliberately positions optical wireless communication networks on lampposts, skyscrapers, and other urban structures to create a robust mesh network infrastructure, guaranteeing comprehensive connectivity and coverage. Singapore's OWC networks employ millimeter-wave technology to deliver high-bandwidth wireless communication capabilities. This enables the transmission of gigabit-speed data, essential for bandwidth-demanding applications like real-time video streaming and autonomous car operation. Integrating edge computing capabilities into the OWC network's infrastructure improves the network's efficiency by facilitating local data processing. This methodology seeks to reduce time delays and diminish data requirements for cloud-based apps, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of Singapore's smart city infrastructure.

The OWC networks in Singapore are essential for environmental sensing and monitoring, as well as facilitating high-speed connectivity and data processing. The networks facilitate continuous observation of various environmental parameters, such as air quality, temperature, and meteorological conditions, utilizing IoT devices and sensors. The OWC architecture facilitates the efficient transfer of data from multiple sensors to centralized data centers for processing purposes. This data analysis delivers essential insights into environmental trends, evaluates the effects of urban activities on the environment, and supports informed decision-making aimed at mitigating environmental risks and enhancing sustainability.

The integration of optical wireless communication networks plays a vital role in facilitating intelligent transportation systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions in Berlin (Menge et al., 2014). The strategic implementation of OWC networks in urban environments improves traffic flow management and alleviates congestion. This is accomplished by facilitating seamless, real-time communication among vehicles, traffic signals, and transportation management centers. The incorporation of millimeter-wave technology into the OWC networks of Berlin facilitates rapid wireless communication.

The integration of edge computing into Berlin's OWC networks enhances the city's mobility ecosystem through localized data processing capabilities. This decentralized approach allows the network to analyze data and make decisions in real-time right at the interface. This means it can quickly respond to changing traffic conditions and unexpected events. Besides their important function in traffic management, OWC networks also act as essential infrastructure for shared mobility platforms and electric vehicle charging systems. OWC networks in Berlin play a significant role in reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and easing overall environmental impact by encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting shared mobility options. These initiatives align with the city's goals for sustainable urban development and its aim to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Setting up optical wireless communication networks is crucial in Beijing, China, as it addresses the challenges related to environmental monitoring and pollution control (Gou and Zhao, 2020). In both suburban and urban areas, you will come across a thoughtfully designed network of optical wireless devices that forms the backbone of OWC networks. These nodes establish speedy wireless connections through advanced optical communication technology, allowing for quick and efficient data transmission.

In Beijing's OWC networks, IoT sensors are keeping an eye on various environmental parameters in real-time. These parameters include important air quality indicators like PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3, and VOCs. We utilize advanced algorithms and models to thoughtfully examine the data we have collected. This allows us to pinpoint areas that experience high pollution levels, examine pollution trends, and even forecast air quality conditions. The information provided here is crucial for steering policy decisions and ensuring effective regulatory enforcement based on solid evidence. It provides important insights for environmental protection efforts aimed at improving the quality of life in the city and ensuring public health is prioritized.

Additionally, the OWC network in Beijing promotes community participation by launching innovative citizen science projects and hosting engaging public outreach campaigns. Involving residents in environmental monitoring initiatives allows the OWC networks to raise awareness about the environment while fostering a sense of shared responsibility. This teamwork not only boosts the community's grasp of environmental issues but also builds a sense of pride and empowerment among the residents. This, in turn, promotes positive changes in behavior and reinforces the city's dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Japan's approach to disaster preparedness and resilience includes the creation of a Disaster Recovery Network (DRN) that leverages FSO technology (Rak et al., 2021). Setting up reliable communication systems is crucial, especially considering Japan's vulnerability to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. These systems need to be resilient enough to handle natural disasters effectively. FSO technology offers a practical solution by using optical signals to establish fast connections between nodes, instead of depending on physical cables. This technology brings a number of benefits in disaster situations, including improved security, easy deployment, resistance to physical damage, and quick data transfer capabilities.

Japan strategically places its FSO-based DRN in locations that are vulnerable to disasters, such as urban areas, coastal zones, and remote islands. It is an essential method for communicating in times of crisis. FSO transceivers make it easier for emergency response teams to coordinate and quickly share critical information over long distances. The resilience and quick connectivity truly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response efforts. This enables swift rescue efforts, comprehensive damage evaluations, and the prompt delivery of supplies to those who require assistance.

Japan's development of FSO-based DRN really shows how proactive they are when it comes to disaster preparedness and response. It highlights just how crucial innovation and tech-driven solutions can be in these situations. The continuous investments in FSO technology are paving the way for better transmission range and reliability. This opens up some exciting opportunities to boost the resilience and strength of Japan's communication infrastructure, particularly in areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters. Japan shows its dedication to protecting people and communities during natural disasters by using FSO technology, which guarantees dependable and quick communication for emergency response teams when it matters most.

Precision agriculture employs optical wireless networks to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency, thereby transforming the agricultural landscape in Brazil (Cherubin et al., 2022). Brazil plays a significant role in global agriculture; however, it faces the challenge of meeting increasing food demand while mitigating environmental impacts. OWC technology enhances agricultural practices by facilitating real-time monitoring of environmental factors such as temperature, crop health, and soil moisture, thereby supporting informed decision-making.

The OWC infrastructure, distributed across vast agricultural regions, facilitates effective communication among sensors, actuators, and control systems. This establishes an interconnected system that collects, analyzes, and utilizes data in real-time. This connectivity allows farmers to customize crop monitoring, precision fertilization, and variable-rate irrigation strategies to address the specific requirements of each field. Brazilian farmers can enhance sustainable agricultural practices and conserve resources through the implementation of OWC technology. This method enhances water efficiency, reduces input expenditures, and mitigates environmental effects. Real-time data insights facilitate proactive management of pests and diseases, enhancing crop resilience and decreasing dependence on chemical pesticides. In Brazil, the implementation of optical wireless networks in precision agriculture significantly enhances farm management efficiency. The focus is on optimizing yields and enhancing process efficiency. Advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms analyze extensive sensor data to yield actionable insights. These insights enable farmers to mitigate production risks, enhance their planting schedules, and more accurately forecast yield outcomes.

Optical wireless communication networks encounter a number of technical challenges that make it difficult for them to be widely adopted in climate action initiatives.

Regulatory barriers, along with technical challenges, are hindering the deployment of optical wireless networks for climate action initiatives.

In addition to the technical and regulatory challenges, deploying optical wireless networks also encounters economic and social issues that impact how scalable, affordable, and accepted they are in society.

Quantum communication has a lot of potential to enhance the security, reliability, and efficiency of optical wireless networks. Quantum technologies, like quantum key distribution (QKD) and communication based on quantum entanglement, provide exceptional security. They use the principles of quantum mechanics to encrypt and transmit data safely over optical channels. Future research and development in quantum communication will pave the way for incorporating quantum-enhanced security features into the infrastructure of optical wireless networks. This will help protect vital environmental data and communications from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Optical wireless networks are set to increasingly connect with emerging technologies like blockchain, edge computing, and 5G networks, opening up exciting new opportunities for synergy and innovation. Blockchain technology provides a way to manage data that is both decentralized and transparent. This means it can enable secure and verifiable transactions in applications related to climate action, like carbon trading, renewable energy certificates, and environmental credits, especially in optical wireless networks. Edge computing platforms boost the scalability and responsiveness of optical wireless networks by handling data right at the network edge. This approach cuts down on latency and bandwidth needs for real-time applications. Additionally, the rollout of 5G networks will offer fast, low-latency connections that can enhance bandwidth-heavy applications in optical wireless networks. This includes exciting technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous systems aimed at environmental monitoring and disaster resilience.

The emergence of space-based optical communication technologies is paving the way for exciting new possibilities in the deployment and connectivity of optical wireless networks. Satellite-based optical communication systems provide global coverage and fast data transmission, making it possible to connect everywhere and exchange information in real-time. This technology is essential for climate monitoring, disaster response, and keeping an eye on the environment. Advancements in space-based optical communication are set to enable the launch of clusters of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites equipped with optical terminals. This will seamlessly connect remote and underserved areas, such as the polar regions, islands, and developing countries, without any issues. Space-based optical wireless networks are set to be crucial in closing the digital divide. They will empower communities by providing access to essential environmental information and resources, no matter where they are located or the limitations of existing ground infrastructure.

Future research and innovation will really hone in on developing green and sustainable solutions for optical wireless networks. Sustainable optical wireless network technologies will focus on energy efficiency, environmental conservation, and circular economy principles at every stage of the optical wireless network infrastructure's life cycle, including manufacturing, deployment, operation, and decommissioning. Green optical wireless network solutions will use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to power optical transceivers, base stations, and network equipment. This approach helps to reduce carbon emissions and lessen environmental impact. We can also use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to reduce resource consumption, waste generation, and electronic waste (e-waste) when producing and deploying optical wireless networks. Embracing green and sustainable practices in optical wireless network technologies can really help us move toward a carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly society. This aligns perfectly with global efforts to tackle climate change and reach sustainable development goals.