Google introduces Extreme Heat Alerts on Google Search
Google is taking initiative to help people cope with rising temperatures due to climate change by launching a new feature on Google search. The newly introduced extreme heat alerts aim to provide accurate and useful information during heat waves. With the help of these alerts, users can get details on excessive heat warnings during severe weather events, expected start and end of a heatwave, tips on staying cool, warnings about health issues related to heat exposure, etc.
The alerts are not yet widely rolled out, but once they are launched, they will be powered by the Global Heat Health Information Network. This information has become essential as last year witnessed record search interest in heat waves. The introduction of this feature by Google will go a long way in helping people cope with extreme heat.
Tree Canopy Tool for Effective Urban Forestry Planning
Google’s Tree Canopy tool is helping cities analyze tree coverage and plan urban forestry initiatives more effectively to combat higher temperatures due to heat-absorbing structures like roads and buildings. This tool uses AI and aerial imagery to map trees in urban areas and analyze data related to their growth and potential contribution to temperature reduction.
The tool was initially available in three cities but has now expanded to nearly 350 cities globally, with plans for further expansion this year. It provides cities with accurate data about tree canopy coverage, which in turn aids better planning for urban forestry initiatives. With the increasing temperatures due to global warming, such initiatives are necessary for a sustainable future.
Identifying Areas for Cool Roofs Using AI Algorithms
Google is also developing tools using AI algorithms and aerial imagery to help cities identify areas that could benefit from cool roofs designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat. These tools will aid decision-makers in choosing locations for cool surface infrastructure and help reduce urban heat islands.
The use of cool roofs will help reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat absorbed, thus contributing to a cooler urban environment. The development of such tools by Google’s team highlights the growing need to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the impact of rising temperatures on our cities.
Backing Nonprofit Projects through Google.org
Google.org is backing nonprofit projects focused on identifying communities most affected by extreme heat and finding ways to help them. The first recipient has been the World Resources Institute (WRI) which will receive $5 million to fund a project that uses sensors, satellite imagery, and AI to model air temperature, humidity, and heat vulnerability.
WRI’s project aims to fill data gaps and model various factors related to extreme heat. This information will aid decision-makers in determining where to implement cool surface infrastructure. Google.org also funds American Forests to expand its free urban forestry tools for cities and Resilient Cities Catalyst through the ICLEI USA Action Fund to create an AI-driven heat-energy vulnerability index, both using Google’s Tree Canopy tool in their work.
In conclusion, it is clear that Google is taking significant measures towards helping people cope with rising temperatures due to climate change. From introducing extreme heat alerts on Google search to developing tools for urban forestry planning, identifying areas for cool roofs, and backing nonprofit projects through Google.org, the tech giant is proving that it takes its responsibility towards the environment seriously. Such measures by corporate giants not only impact people positively but also create awareness about important issues like climate change.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
