HELSINKI: A software model of Earth, meant to simulate and monitor environmental hazards while finding ways to combat climate change, began its monitoring and predictive mission on Monday, the EU Commission said.
The project, known as Destination Earth, marks a significant step forward in environmental monitoring and predictive capabilities.
According to the EU Commission, Destination Earth entails the creation of a sophisticated software model of the planet. This digital replica of Earth will not only simulate natural phenomena but also monitor environmental hazards, all while seeking effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The initiative relies on an “unprecedented amount of data”, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and supercomputers.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the Finnish city of Kajaani and highlighted the role of the LUMI supercomputer in powering this endeavor. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, emphasized the transformative potential of Destination Earth, stating, “What we get today is the future in the making.” She underscored the importance of equipping leaders and institutions with the necessary tools to address the climate crisis.
Vestager pointed out the practical implications of the initiative, citing its ability to enable mayors to better prepare cities for extreme weather events and facilitate the implementation of the EU’s Green Deal. “It will place climate data and predicting tools in the hands of many, many more people,” she affirmed.
Florence Rabier, Head of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, hailed Destination Earth as a “game-changer”. She emphasized its capacity to provide tailored responses to inquiries about climate change, enabling users to run bespoke scenarios with unprecedented resolution and accuracy.
