Weather analytics can play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact. For example: … [+]Road pavement forecasting can reduce the need for unnecessary treatment.
This year’s Earth Day theme is Invest in Our PlanetEverybody, including individuals, governments, businesses, must take action to reduce our impact on the planet. The Earth Day website has great information on how individuals, groups, and organizations can get involved in large-scale projects. It also provides steps to reduce your own environmental impact such as purchasing sustainable fashion or becoming more climate literate. There are even a number of ways to get involved in large-scale projects. QuizTake the climate quiz to see if you are able to answer all questions. Here’s my question to complete the climate quiz. Did you know that weather analytics plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact? Here are three ways weather analytics can affect climate today and tomorrow.
Road Treatment: Reducing Chemicals, Salt and Other Chemicals
The U.S. has more than one million citizens. 20 million metric tonssalt on our roads every winter to keep roads clean and motorists safe in winter weather. There is increasing evidence that some chemicals can contaminate drinking water and cause harm to the environment. A recent example is the “Recently Accepted” report. Study New York City found that 24% percent of private drinking water wells had been contaminated by salt used on roads.
Road pavement forecasting can reduce the need for unnecessary treatment. This method uses weather data to combine high-resolution forecasts, sensors and environmental assessments of temperature influences on roads sections. Road maintenance crews can use the insights to decide whether or not treatment is needed. Maryland Department of Transportation uses this method. 53 percentThe past five seasons have seen a decrease in salt use. Other states are following the lead and trying to reduce salt consumption. In New York, for example, many counties are looking at road-salt contamination. There are solutions through the formation of committees such as the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force.
Ship Fuel Use, Carbon Emissions
The shipping industry The United States is one of the largest producers of sulfur emissions. International Maritime Organization has taken steps towards reducing carbon intensity in international shipping. Carbon emissions can be reduced by 70% by 2050. This directive will be supported by new equipment and alternative fuels, as well as weather analytics. Studies Weather-optimized routes can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5% depending on the vessel, the season and the conditions. Route-planning is done prior to departure, but is an ongoing dynamic process. For bad weather, sophisticated algorithms can use information about the ship and its capabilities as well as the weather effects to determine the best route.
Use Weather Data to Find Alternative Energy
Last year, more than a third of all new US capacity was generated by land-based wind energy. The Department of Energy expects to build more. Up to $70 billion offshore wind industry pipeline by 2030. Weather data will play an important role in every stage of renewable energy development. This includes site selection, installation, optimization, managing energy generation, and routine maintenance.
Weather data is key to harnessing solar power or wind energy, and also contributes to the bottom line. Weather insights can be used to inform decisions about potential equipment damage and repairs, which can have a significant effect on the bottom line. It is expensive to replace solar PV modules if they are damaged. Preventive repair of minor damage to turbine blades can save you significant money over traditional inspections every three years and reactively dealing with more serious repairs.
These are just three examples that show how weather analytics can be used to benefit the environment. We can use thousands of data points from the ground, the air, and space to monitor global weather patterns and create localized impacts in today’s connected world. This data, together with ongoing weather research and advanced technology, allows most industries and businesses to take control and make a positive difference in the environment.
