Fatshimétrie recently published a worrying report on climate change that warns that greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels and are expected to lead to temperature increases in the future. This red alert for the planet is relayed by the report “United in Science”.
Despite these gloomy prospects, the report highlights the hope represented by emerging technological advances. Indeed, progress in the fields of natural and social sciences, as well as new technologies and innovation, enrich our understanding of the Earth system. They could be real game changers in the fight against climate change, adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the most promising technologies in the fight against climate change. By revolutionizing the way we predict the weather, it offers exciting prospects. The use of AI could make weather models more affordable, faster and ultimately more accessible to developing countries that may lack resources, capacity or computing power.
However, the report highlights the need for strong global governance to ensure that AI and machine learning serve the public interest. In addition, rapid advances in Earth observation from space also offer reasons for hope. Satellite technologies are greatly improving our ability to predict extreme weather events, as well as monitor greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial to guide our efforts to reduce emissions and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The report’s authors also highlight the potential of immersive technologies such as virtual reality. In addition to simulating events such as floods and droughts, they can predict water flows and accumulation, as well as land degradation.
Despite these promising technological advances, the report warns that they will not be enough on their own to mitigate the effects of climate change. It is therefore essential to continue international collaboration, to put in place governance frameworks and adapted financing models to effectively support Earth observation from space related to climate change.
Ultimately, the “United in Science” report highlights that while the challenges related to climate change are immense, technological advances offer valuable opportunities to guide our actions towards a more sustainable and resilient future.