External data is leading innovation on many fronts: business, medicine, transportation – and on the most pressing issue our generation is facing. The climate crisis is growing ever more urgent. And to tackle it, governments and companies need to be equipped with the right tools and knowledge to make decisions and to put pressure on the right people. Here’s four key ways in which external data providers are supplying exactly this to make sure action is taken to combat global warming.
Informing global climate policy
Commercial weather data providers such as CustomWeather play a significant role in informing global climate change policy through their extensive, hyper-local weather data. Their data helps governments, think tanks, and researchers better understand climate trends and patterns, facilitating the development of informed policies and strategies to address climate change.
Summits like COP26 include commitments from leading economies, as well as keynote talks on changing weather patterns, which are underpinned by findings from weather data providers. Such irrefutable data makes a strong case for pro-climate technology in the face of resistance from oil companies and economy-first politicians.
By offering access to historical weather data, climate models, and real-time weather information, these providers contribute to the monitoring of climate-related events, assessment of climate risks, and the formulation of climate adaptation and mitigation measures. Their contributions are crucial in the global effort to combat climate change by providing the data and insights necessary for evidence-based decision-making at both local and international levels.
Although when it comes to the weather, nothing is certain, especially in such volatile climate times, working with a professional weather data team is often the most reliable source of forecasts and information. Weather data companies invest in robust, crisis-proof technology and instruments so that data continues to be collected and transmitted to people relying on it even in times of catastrophe like hurricanes and flooding.
2. Promoting environmentally ethical investing
Crucial to improving the climate crisis is increased corporate responsibility when it comes to environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. Companies need to perform on ESG metrics so as to reduce their emissions and damage on local and global ecosystems. To incentivise companies to hit ESG targets, such as carbon footprint and waste reduction, investors now benchmark company portfolios based on their ESG scores.
Green investing has meant that a company’s value is now very much dependent on its environmental track record. As such, they’re being driven towards more environmentally friendly practices and contributing towards a better climate outlook.
ESG data providers supply independent, thorough background checks on company portfolios. They provide a 360 view into how a company performs on any given ESG metric. Providers like Richmond Global Sciences collect data attributes for thousands of companies, including a company’s contribution to the UN’s SDGs. They can also convert raw data into actionable investment guidance, like the estimated monetary impact a company’s climate track record would have on its value. In this way, external data providers bring transparency to investment decisions so that companies must comply when it comes to helping the climate.
3. Reducing manufacturing emissions
Satellite data providers and emission intelligence platforms are playing a pivotal role in helping manufacturers within the metal and mining, oil, and gas industries decarbonize their operations, which is essential in the fight against the climate crisis. These platforms offer real-time monitoring and analysis of emissions, resource utilization, and environmental impacts.
By leveraging satellite data, they can pinpoint emissions sources, detect leaks, and assess the carbon footprint of these heavy industries with precision. This valuable information empowers companies to identify opportunities for emissions reduction, optimize processes, and make more sustainable choices in their operations. As a result, satellite data and emission intelligence platforms are contributing significantly to the global effort to mitigate climate change by assisting these traditionally carbon-intensive sectors in adopting cleaner and more environmentally responsible practices.
4. Developing more sustainable agriculture
Agricultural intelligence providers are usually young, innovative companies, founded to make food production more efficient and predictable. Many, like AgroScout, focus particularly on food-insecure regions grappling with the challenges posed by the climate crisis. These providers offer access to a wealth of data, including weather patterns, soil conditions, crop health, and market trends.
By harnessing this information, farmers and policymakers can make informed decisions about crop selection, planting times, and irrigation, ultimately increasing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. Additionally, advanced data analytics and predictive models allow for early warning systems, helping communities prepare for and mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, such as droughts or floods, that can disrupt food supplies. This technology-driven approach holds the promise of enhancing food security and sustainability in regions that are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
In addition to bolstering food production efficiency, agricultural data providers are also fueling food innovation, including the development of adapted meat-free products that cater to consumer tastes. By analyzing consumer preferences, dietary trends, and nutritional requirements, data-driven insights help food manufacturers create plant-based and meat-free alternatives that mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional qualities of traditional meat products.
This innovation is critical in addressing both the climate crisis and global food security concerns, as it promotes more sustainable and resource-efficient food choices. Agricultural data, combined with cutting-edge technology, is therefore not only improving food production in the face of climate change but also driving the shift towards more environmentally friendly diets, contributing to a healthier planet and a more resilient food supply.
We’ve looked at just four ways in which external data providers are promoting sustainability and providing data-driven solutions to the climate crisis. In practice, there are endless more instances in which external data can be applied to combat global warming. What’s left is for governments and companies to put these insights into practical use and policy.
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