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Top Technological Innovations for Climate Adaptation
Earth observation collects data on changes on Earth through location-based methods like weather stations
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Applied Technology Review | Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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Earth observation collects data on changes on Earth through location-based methods like weather stations or satellites and other remote sensing technologies. In a climate adaptation scenario, earth observation is also essential for early warning systems, such as identifying hurricanes before they occur.
Fremont, CA: Understanding climate hazards is the first step towards adapting to climate change and navigating a world where weather and climate are no longer predictable. This entails controlling and measuring them.
Here are some examples of how modern technology is influencing climate adaptation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is used to create more accurate and sophisticated weather and climate models.
For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) has integrated sea surface temperature data into ocean models, something human researchers could not accomplish. Because of this, the scientific community now knows more about the speed of ocean currents.
AI-powered innovations in climate adaptation also include drought-resistant crops and intelligent sewer systems that prevent floods during periods of high precipitation.
Drones
Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are unpiloted aircraft that can travel great distances and are outfitted with sophisticated cameras.
They can also carry advanced equipment, such as geo-positioning systems for highly accurate location tracking and sensors to identify irregularities.
Drones can assist businesses in adapting to the changing climate by gathering visual data on climate risks and repercussions. For instance, a company might use drones to monitor vital water sources.
Following a climatic disaster, drones can also aid in search and rescue operations by locating impacted communities in difficult-to-reach locations.
Advanced Computing
Advanced computing involves using extremely powerful computers that are faster and more accurate. Supercomputers, the world's most significant and most potent computers, and quantum computers, which employ subatomic particles like photons and particles of light to carry out several calculations simultaneously, are examples of these.
Due to its ability to predict processes like fluid dynamics, which are crucial for weather forecasting, quantum computing is anticipated to advance climate modeling and adaptation. It is challenging for conventional computers to do this.
Additionally, the availability of supercomputing to support climate and weather modeling is expanding.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the world of interconnected gadgets that can communicate with one another. These could be handheld gadgets or sensors that exchange information and monitor systems.
IoT technology collects and disseminates new data types, including temperature and air quality variations. For example, individuals in the impacted area can receive mobile phone warnings from sensors that identify wildfires.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Immersion-producing technologies include virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). This involves using devices like headsets to completely immerse users or overlaying digital elements in real-world settings.
The use of AR and VR to alter our behavior regarding climate action and adaptation is growing. For instance, virtual reality headsets can depict a world with climatic impacts, including altered weather patterns and biodiversity loss, by modeling the effects of climate change.