The University of Exeter at COP26: Environmental Intelligence

Environmental Intelligence is a new field of knowledge that integrates environmental and sustainability research with data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge digital technologies. It creates solutions to the most critical challenges facing society today.

World-class researchers from the University of Exeter and the Met Office have formed a revolutionary collaboration to explore Environmental Intelligence through the Joint Centre for Excellence in Environmental Intelligence (JCEEI).

Led by the University of Exeter’s Professor Gavin Shaddick and Dr Kirstine Dale from the Met Office, the JCEEI is pioneering the use of Environmental Intelligence. Through this, they provide new insights into the complex relationships between humans and the environment and create solutions for a green future.

The JCEEI tackles climate change, extreme weather events, and poor air quality and health across three programmes: Research, Development and Application; Infrastructure and Data Engineering Research; and Capital Building and Skills Development. This work aims to improve decision making, inform risk management, and plays a crucial role in leading us towards a sustainable interaction with the natural environment while supporting COP26 goals.

The JCEEI understands that there is a growing public and political awareness of our vulnerability to environmental challenges. As a result, they created the

Climate Impacts, Mitigation, Adaption and Resilience (CLIMAR) framework. This tool allows policymakers, businesses, and individuals to visualise and understand the climate risks relevant to them. These climate risks are determined by how vulnerable we and our surroundings are when exposed to climate-related hazards.

CLIMAR uses Data Science and AI to integrate multiple data sources, quantifying the dangers of climate change on populations, infrastructure and the economy. This tool creates decision-ready information for policymakers, industry, and the public to achieve net zero and adapt to protect communities and natural habitats.

The ability to integrate data and information from multiple, inter-related sources provides a stepchange in our understanding of the complex interactions between the environment, climate, natural ecosystems, human social and economic systems, and health. In turn, this allows better holistic decisions to be made in solving today’s biggest challenges.

CLIMAR will feature at COP26 on the JCEEI’s virtual space as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change main exhibition within the Blue Zone. Professor Gavin Shaddick is also presenting work on CLIMAR at the Met Office Academic Partnership Research Advisory Panel in the Science Pavilion, Blue Zone, on the 10th November.

To work with us, please contact greenfutures@exeter.ac.uk.