Creating a Digital Twin of Earth to Tackle Climate Change
Scientists have developed a complex computer model to simulate Earth’s weather, climate, and human activities’ impact on the planet. The goal of this artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled “digital twin” is to offer dependable insights on extreme weather and climate change.
Named Destination Earth (DestinE), the computer model is a significant evolution from previous weather or climate forecasts that focused on either specific regions or global systems. DestinE integrates all these elements with human activities to create a comprehensive depiction of Earth’s varied processes. This project was initiated by the European Commission on June 10, with over €315 million funding from the Digital Europe program.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, hailed the launch of the initial DestinE as a true game-changer in combating climate change. She noted that the model could help us anticipate future scenarios like never before.
Dual Focus of DestinE
The initial DestinE includes two models. One concentrates on climate change adaptation, and the other on weather extremes. Both draw from various data sources, such as the Copernicus program. The plan is to progressively enhance DestinE over the coming years, leading to a complete digital replica of Earth by 2030.
Why a Digital Twin of Earth is Needed
As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe due to climate change, it is vital to assess the impacts accurately. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported over two million deaths from extreme weather-related events between 1970 and 2021.
DestinE is expected to aid Europe in responding effectively to natural disasters, adapting to climate change, and evaluating the potential socioeconomic and policy impacts of such occurrences. The model can offer hypothetical scenarios, such as deciding the best locations for wind farms or crop planting as the climate changes.
How DestinE Supports Europe’s Climate Goals
The European Commission has partnered with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) for DestinE. As part of its ambitious plan to be the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, the European Union is heavily investing in green technology. This project aligns with that goal, aiming to facilitate sustainable development and bolster environmental policies in future years.
The Role of Supercomputers in the Project
Creating a detailed model like DestinE requires substantial computing power. A 2021 study estimated that a supercomputer with 20,000 graphics processors would consume approximately 20MW of power for such a model. DestinE relies on Europe’s High-performance computers (EuroHPC), including the LUMI supercomputer in Kajaani, Finland, where almost half of its energy comes from renewable sources. By 2027, the team plans to have additional digital twins and services operational, with the goal of creating “a full digital twin of Earth” by 2030.
Original Story at www.euronews.com