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We don’t need to be climatologists to notice the extreme temperatures and frequent natural disasters in the news. With more extreme weathers on the rise, there is no surprise why the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued “Code Red for humanity” in their recent report, which warns of increasingly extreme heatwaves, droughts and flooding, and a key temperature limit being broken in just over a decade. The findings of Glasgow’s COP26 Summit last year echoed these alarming forecasts.
The COP26 report and the IPCC report are the most severe warnings yet about the danger posed by climate changes. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which compiled a report, showed that the impact of climate changes continued to accelerate in 2020. However, the IPCC has drawn a clear line in the sand. They warn that irreversible climate change damage can only be prevented if we wait until 2030.
A contributing factor is the rising data demand
The causes of climate change at the granular levels are complex. However, we can discern one cause which may also offer a solution – and that is data.
The rapid digitalization and rise in energy-intensive data centres is a major concern. Global electricity consumption in 2019 was around 1%. Between February and April 2020, global internet traffic soared by nearly 40%. This was due to increased reliance on technology during pandemic lockdowns.
The problem is how can we continue to expand data use, but do it in a sustainable manner? The issue is serious enough that solutions must be identified to develop “green” data centres. Industry players around the globe are working hard to make this happen. One thing is for sure – the exponential rise in the generation and use of data is not going to stop.
Data can be put to good use
Data is not always a bad thing. The positive contribution of big data to climate change mitigation is not limited to the question of sustainable hardware. Only highly skilled data analytics can manage the complex and vast amounts of data generated from variables such as climate change, rainforest destruction, glacier losses, and macro weather patterns. Climate modelling can be made easier by analysing these data. This can reveal hidden insights, and make recommendations for actions.
Historical data can be used to map trends and patterns, and then extrapolate into future situations through complex modelling. Analytics provides insight and understanding that allows for more viable solutions and adaptive policymaking in relation to climate change.
Machine learning and AI – How to use them
Machine-learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and artificial intelligence (AI) will be key to this battle. Climate scientists and innovators already use AI /ML to test their climate theories, develop products and services that are beneficial for both individuals and businesses.
At a major AI conference in 2019, attending researchers and experts discussed a paper recently published by AI industry leaders called “Tackling Climate Change with Machine Learning.” The paper covered 13 areas where machine learning can be deployed, including energy production, CO2 removal, education, solar geoengineering, and finance.
Taking a leaf out of Scotland’s Environment Web (SEWeb)
These techniques are already being applied by Scotland’s Environment Web. SEWeb uses data visualisation tools to create a picture of the country’s environment and interact more deeply with the data. These tools make it easier to analyse and view multiple layers and allow users to save time by using filters that filter for their areas of interest (air/water, ground) as well as the contributing factors.
The relevant information is easily accessible and visible, which allows users to absorb it faster. These tools can be used to assist governments and policymakers in understanding the global situation and working towards possible solutions.
Hong Kong’s response
The IPCC report makes it abundantly clear – we are drinking in the “Last chance climate saloon” – lots of talk but very little action. Southeast Asia will not be forgotten. McKinsey research suggests that the region could be subject to more severe climate change consequences than other regions.
Hong Kong is taking serious action and in 2021 launched “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 ”, setting out the vision and outlining the strategies and targets for combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. The government has also pledged $240 billion over the next 15-20 years to implement various measures, initiatives, and programmes to combat climate change.
This is all very commendable, but the question remains – will the world’s nations have the political will to collaborate and share data on a truly global scale, or will they continue to blindly march down a lonely path towards doomsday?
It’s not too late. It is not too late to make major decisions that could change the global economic system. However, whatever the outcome, it will still be data and analytics that provide the insights necessary to make those decisions possible and effective in solving this climate crisis.
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