Data, AI, and Saving the Planet

June 8th marks World Oceans Day, following closely after World Environment Day on June 5th. These days are valuable opportunities for the United Nations to shine a spotlight on the natural world, reflecting upon both our progress to bring it back from the brink and the work that is still to be done. Whilst the UN is working tirelessly with its member states to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement[1], they also encourage individuals and organisations of all sizes to take stock of their own impact and make change.

The pressure is mounting to find solutions which are highly efficient, cost-effective, and replicable on a global scale, the key to which lies in the use of data, AI, and next-generation technology. This World Oceans Day, we speak to two Kubrick consultants to learn about their first-hand experience in the field of conservation, the power of harnessing technology, and the importance of individual responsibility and action.



Pip Penny is currently training with Kubrick to become a Data Product consultant. She studied Conservation Biology and Ecology at the University of Exeter.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the ocean and keen to learn whatever I could, having grown up in and around the water. As I grew older, I soon realised the size of the threats against our oceans and made it my personal mission to do whatever I could to help. After finishing my degree, I spent 18 months overseas working on conservation projects, the first 5 months of which were spent at a turtle rehabilitation centre in the Maldives[2]. The criticality of our situation really hit home - the sole reason they were brought in for care was due to injury from ghost nets cast off by industrial fishing operations.

"I then spent several months performing coral restoration in Haiti and Cambodia and quickly recognised the power of using data to optimise our efforts. Not only could we better identify the areas of reef under threat, but we could prove both the positive impact we had already made as well as anticipate (and warn of) how much more work was still needed. This irrefutable evidence was pivotal when engaging local governments and individuals to support the cause.

"Ultimately, everyone knows about the state of our environment and the disaster we are headed towards. Data makes conversation accessible and impactful - the more we can say with data about the ocean, the more likely people are to understand and take action. For those who are looking to get involved, I would recommend doing research on local organisations to support as you can make a big difference with whatever you can offer, whether making donations, sharing their work on social media, or volunteering yourself!”




Beata Dunne is a Data Engineer working in financial services, who studied Biology at the University of York. She explains her passion for environmental protection and the significant impact that data and technology can make:

“Data and AI technology were a fundamental part of my undergraduate studies and shaped my understanding of conservation work. For example, I met researchers who were using Machine Learning to study giraffe movements, which could revolutionise the future of non-invasive wildlife monitoring[3]. I also spent my year abroad working with an active research team to turn data collection into an astounding report on the devastation of ocean life due to climate change, the findings of which we echoed in journals and even by The Guardian[4].

"Now on my client engagement, I’m continuing to seek ways to protect our environment in our daily lives. For instance, I’ve joined my client’s sustainability group, who are tasked with building a carbon dashboard to monitor our footprint. Moreover, my work as a Data Engineer within Intelligent Automation is all about creating efficient solutions which facilitate reducing paper consumption and making trips to the bank – small-scale changes which add up to make a big difference across our nationwide customer base!”



Simon Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Kubrick:

“Data, AI, and next-generation technology has the power to transform our understanding of the world in order to save it. We’re incredibly proud that our consultants can put their passion and capabilities to work to help our planet, whether involved in local green initiatives to make change in their own environment or working to drive the efficiency and adoption of renewable energy sources with our clients in the Energy sector.

"As a business, we must also do our part. We’re excited to be part of the pilot group of 20 organisations to participate in the Business Climate Challenge with Better Bankside and the Mayor of London to cut our carbon emissions and help London reach its target of becoming a zero-carbon city by 2030.”

For more information on World Oceans Day and World Environment Day, visit:

https://unworldoceansday.org/
https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/




[1] https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
[2] https://www.atollvolunteers.com/
[3] https://www.wildnatureinstitut...
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/en...