Geospatial technology is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change. Experts from various fields and sectors have called for the deployment of geospatial solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming and enhance resilience.
According to a report by McKinsey, there are 10 crucial technologies that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero targets by 2030. Among them, geospatial technology is a key enabler for renewable energy, circular economy, carbon capture, and adaptation measures.
Geospatial technology refers to the collection, analysis, and visualization of spatial data, such as satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and location-based services. Geospatial data can provide valuable insights into the causes and consequences of climate change, such as land use changes, deforestation, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and human migration.
For example, geospatial technology can help identify suitable sites for renewable energy projects, monitor the performance and impact of solar and wind farms, and optimize the integration of clean energy into the grid. Geospatial technology can also support the circular economy by tracking the flow and lifecycle of materials and products, reducing waste and emissions, and enhancing resource efficiency.
Moreover, geospatial technology can enable carbon capture and storage by mapping the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide, assessing the feasibility and safety of underground storage, and verifying the integrity and permanence of sequestration. Geospatial technology can also facilitate adaptation measures by assessing the vulnerability and exposure of communities and ecosystems to climate hazards, developing early warning systems and disaster response plans, and evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of adaptation interventions.
The importance and potential of geospatial technology for climate change mitigation was highlighted at the Geo-Resolution conference at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Sept. 28, 20212. The conference, co-hosted by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and Saint Louis University, brought together experts in geospatial information, public health, human migration, and water, energy, and food systems to discuss the challenges and opportunities of using geospatial solutions for climate action.
The conference also focused on growing the geospatial workforce in St. Louis and beyond, as geospatial technology requires skilled and diverse professionals to collect, process, analyze, and communicate spatial data. The conference featured speakers from academia, industry, government, and civil society, who shared their experiences and best practices in applying geospatial technology to address climate-related issues.
Geospatial technology is not only a scientific and technical tool, but also a social and political one. It can empower decision-makers and stakeholders to make informed and evidence-based choices, foster collaboration and coordination among different actors and sectors, and enhance transparency and accountability in climate governance. Geospatial technology can also raise awareness and engagement among the public and the media, and inspire innovation and creativity in finding solutions to the climate crisis.
As the world faces the unprecedented challenge of climate change, geospatial technology can be a game-changer for mitigating its impacts and building a more resilient and sustainable future.
