Impact of AI in Climate Monitoring

• Blockchain Council
• December 20, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly significant in tracking and understanding climate patterns while providing creative ways to tackle environmental issues. By analyzing massive amounts of data, AI improves predictions about weather, monitors land changes like deforestation, and helps manage disaster responses effectively.

Improving Weather Forecasts

Accurate weather predictions are key for dealing with extreme weather conditions. Traditional systems depend on detailed mathematical models and vast computational resources. AI introduces more efficiency and accuracy in this area.

AI-Based Weather Predictions

Companies such as Atmo have built AI tools for weather forecasting that surpass conventional methods. Their technology, which uses over six decades of climate records, produces results up to 40,000 times quicker and is half as likely to make errors as traditional approaches. This speed is especially important for events like typhoons, where quick decisions save lives.

NASA and IBM have also joined forces to develop the Prithvi Weather-Climate system. This open-source tool gives researchers insights into atmospheric behaviors, improving the accuracy of predictions. It offers a clearer understanding of how weather systems evolve and affect different regions. To know more about AI and its impact on climate, consider getting expert-led AI certifications by the Blockchain Council.

Observing Forests and Land Use

The loss of forests is a major driver of climate change. AI plays a crucial role in watching how land is used and offering valuable insights for protecting natural areas.

Technology for Forest Protection

The World Resources Institute collaborated with Google Earth Engine to create Dynamic World. This AI tool delivers detailed, near real-time maps of global land cover. It makes it easier to track changes in forests and land usage, which helps conservation efforts.

In another development, a team from MIT, Google, and Purdue University launched Tree-D Fusion. This system creates three-dimensional models of urban trees, forecasting their growth under different environmental conditions. These predictions help cities plan better for cooling effects and sustainable greenery.

Supporting Disaster Preparedness

AI strengthens disaster planning and management by delivering timely information and advanced analysis to predict risks.

Alerts for Floods and Wildfires

AI systems significantly improve flood warnings by using historical data to better anticipate weather changes. For example, Google’s GraphCast system has proven more reliable than older forecasting methods. This allows communities to prepare better for potential floods.

For wildfires, AI-driven cameras are being used to detect flames in hard-to-reach places. These devices can spot fires from distances of up to 20 kilometers and notify emergency teams in minutes, allowing faster action to prevent disasters from escalating.

Tackling Environmental Issues

AI supports a wide range of environmental monitoring tasks, from tracking pollution to measuring climate impacts.

Monitoring Pollution

By analyzing satellite images and data from sensors, AI systems help locate pollution sources and identify areas with poor air quality. This information enables targeted actions to reduce pollution in affected regions.

Measuring Climate Impacts

AI assists in estimating the environmental impact of various products throughout their lifecycle. This enables businesses and individuals to make choices that align with sustainable practices, encouraging environmentally friendly habits.

Challenges to Overcome

While AI offers clear benefits, it has its downsides. The energy used by AI systems is a significant concern, as data centers that power these technologies consume large amounts of electricity. This adds to the carbon footprint, raising questions about sustainability.

Another limitation is the dependence on high-quality input data. In areas where reliable data is scarce, AI predictions can be less accurate. This emphasizes the need for thorough data collection and sharing to make AI tools more effective across all regions.

A Way Forward

AI is revolutionizing how we monitor and respond to climate challenges. It improves weather predictions, tracks environmental changes, and strengthens disaster management efforts. However, issues like energy usage and data quality must be addressed to maximize its potential. With ongoing advancements and responsible use, AI can play a significant role in global climate action, contributing to a more sustainable future.