Generative AI: Steam Engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution | World Economic Forum 2024

During a session on ‘Generative AI: Steam Engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution‘ at the World Economic Forum, speakers Zachary Bogue and Dava Newman shared insights on the pivotal role of Earth-observation data and satellites in addressing global challenges. Bogue underscored the significance of Earth-observation data in managing climate change, water resources, and carbon measurement, while Newman focused on the urgent need for climate action and the potential of innovations in Earth observation. This article distils their key points, emphasising precision and neutrality.

Earth-Observation Data: Managing global challenges: Zachary Bogue emphasised the critical role of Earth-observation data in managing pressing global issues. From climate change to water management and carbon measurement, Bogue highlighted how satellites provide indispensable insights. Over half of the variables crucial for accurate climate tracking are only observable from space, making Earth-observation data a vital tool in addressing urgent matters.

2. Commercialization and Accessibility: Bogue noted the need to commercialize Earth-observation data, driven by the significant decrease in the cost of launching objects into orbit. The United States, a substantial purchaser, plays a crucial role in this market. Furthermore, the increased accessibility and granularity of Earth-observation data, along with real-time availability, ensure equal access to valuable information for various applications.

3. Artificial Intelligence: The massive size of Earth-observation datasets poses a challenge in terms of analysis. Bogue highlighted the impracticality of human-driven processing and advocated for the necessity of artificial intelligence (AI). AI algorithms can perform complex analyses, such as change detection across the Earth’s surface, contributing to effective utilization of the vast amounts of data collected.

4. Space Debris: A growing concern: While acknowledging space debris as a growing concern, Bogue provided a measured perspective, stating that it currently does not pose a significant risk. He highlighted ongoing efforts to address the issue, including the exploration of ground-based lasers to slow down debris. Global multi-stakeholder cooperation is deemed crucial to mitigate the risks associated with space debris effectively.

5. Climate change and satellite contributions: Dava Newman focused on the consequences of climate change and the role of satellites in collecting real-time data. Highlighting 2023 as the hottest year ever recorded, Newman stressed the urgency of addressing rising temperatures and increasing CO2 emissions. Satellites, numbering over 1,100 in orbit, provide valuable information accessible even on phones.

6. Rising sea levels and immersive technologies: Newman delved into the consequences of climate change, emphasizing the rise in sea levels. With 99% of the world’s fresh water trapped in ice sheets, the melting ice contributes to increased sea levels. Newman proposed the use of immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance understanding and awareness of climate data, citing the ‘Earth Mission Control’ VR experience as an example.

7. Inclusive approach and data precision: Addressing the handling of big data sets, Newman advocated for an inclusive approach, promoting open data sets and citizen science. She highlighted the precision of modern datasets, updated daily, allowing assessment at a local level. Technologies like AI and Machine Learning contribute to curating and utilizing high-precision datasets effectively.

8. Space debris and orbit safety concerns: Expressing concern about space debris, Newman stressed the need for standards and policies to ensure safe and clean de-orbiting. Recognizing debris-based situational awareness as a high-priority area, she highlighted the importance of global cooperation to address the challenges posed by space debris.