Google has unveiled a new set of online tools aimed at helping civil servants and community organizers tackle the impact of climate change. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the tech giant has developed a range of features, including extreme heat alerts and Tree Canopy, to help cities and citizens better prepare for and adapt to changing conditions.
The new extreme heat alerts are part of Google’s existing system that pushes extreme weather warnings to users in affected areas. Now, the system includes alerts for high temperatures, providing detailed information on how to mitigate the risks and stay safe during heatwaves. To ensure the information is accurate and useful, Google is working with the Global Heat Health Information Network.
In addition to these alerts, Google has also introduced Tree Canopy, a feature within the Environmental Insights Explorer app that combines aerial imagery and AI to help cities understand their current tree coverage and plan urban forestry initiatives. The feature is already in use in over a dozen cities but will now be expanded to nearly 350 cities worldwide, including Atlanta, Sydney, Lisbon, and Paris.
Trees and green spaces are essential for reducing the urban heat island effect and keeping cities cool during hot weather. By providing cities with accurate data on their tree coverage, Tree Canopy enables them to plan and implement effective urban forestry initiatives that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Google’s AI-powered tools are also being used to plan the installation of “cool roofs,” which reflect heat from the sun rather than absorbing it. These roofs can significantly reduce the temperature inside buildings and help combat the urban heat island effect.
The impact of climate change is already being felt around the world, with extreme weather events causing widespread devastation and displacement. By providing cities and citizens with the tools they need to adapt to changing conditions, Google is playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. The company’s focus on using AI and data-driven solutions highlights the importance of technology in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
