The Next Innovation: Unlocking the Ocean's Climate Solution
Introduction: Racing Against the Climate Clock
In the latest episode of The Next Innovation, hosted by Samantha Murphy Kelly from Situation Room Studios and powered by Enterprise Ireland, the conversation begins with a stark reminder of the urgent climate crisis. “Four years, 206 days, 18 hours and 30 minutes. That's how long the climate clock gives us,” Samantha Murphy Kelly states at [00:04]. This countdown emphasizes the limited time humanity has to avert irreversible climate damage. The episode delves into innovative solutions emerging on the cutting edge of business and technology, specifically focusing on the ocean's potential role in combating climate change.
The Oceans: Earth's Unexplored Climate Regulators
The podcast highlights the pivotal role oceans play in regulating the planet's climate. Covering more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface, oceans help cool the planet, stabilize weather patterns, and absorb over 93% of greenhouse gases since the 1970s ([08:37]). Despite their importance, humans have explored less than 5% of the ocean, making them one of the least understood frontiers on Earth. This vast, unexplored realm holds the key to understanding and mitigating climate change.
The Challenge of Ocean Mapping
Ocean data mapping emerges as a critical method for studying climate change's impact on marine environments. This process involves tracking sea level rise, marine life movements, and other pivotal data points to provide scientists with a clearer picture of oceanic transformations ([01:30]). However, the task is daunting due to the ocean's vastness and the complexities involved in data collection. This challenge has spurred the development of advanced technologies aimed at making ocean data more accessible and accurate.
Unmanned Surface Vessels: Revolutionizing Ocean Data Collection
A significant breakthrough discussed in the episode is the development of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) by X Ocean, an Irish marine data company. Shepard Smith, the Chief Technology Officer at X Ocean, explains at [02:39], “You know, it's really the backbone of all oceanographic data. You can't. It's the base map on which every other ocean map describing habitat or ocean oceanography or species distribution or anything else, it's the base map that makes it all make sense. And we don't have a good enough basemap.”
Smith elaborates on how USVs offer a scalable, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional survey ships. “We've done it successfully at scale in the context of building a whole company around it,” he notes at [03:26]. These vessels produce only a fraction of the emissions of conventional ships, aligning with X Ocean’s mission to minimize environmental footprints.
The Importance of Ocean Floor Mapping
Dr. Art Trebanis, a professor of oceanography and geology at the University of Delaware, underscores the multifaceted importance of ocean floor mapping. “[This] is fundamental. For so much of our lives, our livelihood, and the health of our planet, we need to better understand our oceans,” he states at [06:05]. Mapping the seabed provides insights into natural resources, habitat locations, tsunami and storm surge modeling, and the movements of marine species. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for sustainable ocean management and climate resilience.
Seabed 2030: A Global Mapping Initiative
The episode introduces Seabed 2030, a global initiative aiming to map every inch of the ocean floor by 2030. Dr. Trebanis highlights the enormity of this task, “[As of today,] we've collectively mapped about 25% of the ocean floor. It's taken all of human history to get up to 25% and we've got to do the other 75% of it” ([09:20]). USVs are posited as a pivotal technology in achieving this ambitious goal, offering the speed and efficiency necessary to accelerate mapping efforts.
Advantages of USVs in Data Collection and Climate Monitoring
USVs like those developed by X Ocean offer numerous benefits over traditional methods. Shepard Smith explains at [04:28], “So if you're a scientist that's looking to collect different kinds of data, you can eliminate the need for multiple missions.” These vessels can operate continuously for up to ten days, collecting vast amounts of data without the risks associated with manned missions. Dr. Trebanis adds, “[Robots] excel beyond what any human pilot can do is drive nice straight lines,” ensuring high-quality, consistent data collection ([11:13]).
Technological Challenges and Autonomy
Despite their advantages, USVs face significant challenges, particularly in navigation and autonomy. Dr. Trebanis acknowledges at [16:23], “Navigating is a big challenge. We need to build a system that can be aware of itself and its surroundings under all kinds of weather conditions.” Developing robust autonomous systems that can operate safely and efficiently in diverse and often harsh oceanic environments is critical for the future of USVs.
Impact on Employment and the Maritime Industry
The rise of autonomous technologies in ocean mapping raises concerns about job displacement. However, Dr. Trebanis counters this notion by emphasizing the need for human expertise in designing, building, operating, and maintaining these systems ([17:12]). Shepard Smith from X Ocean further explains how their approach bridges the gap between traditional maritime roles and modern technological demands, offering seasoned mariners opportunities to transition to onshore roles while leveraging their maritime experience ([17:46]).
The Future of Autonomous Marine Technology and AI
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with autonomous systems promises to revolutionize ocean exploration. Dr. Trebanis envisions a future where smaller autonomous vessels perform a wide range of tasks, from routine data collection to complex environmental monitoring. “[We're] sending these robots out into these different places before and after storms, ... And that's where the sort of AI and machine learning part is going, working hand in hand with it” ([19:34]).
Conclusion: USVs as Essential Tools for Climate Resilience
As the episode concludes, it becomes clear that USVs are not only advancing oceanographic research but also playing a critical role in shaping strategies for climate resilience. “USVs are at the forefront of environmental science,” Samantha Murphy Kelly summarizes ([20:31]). By providing reliable, real-time data, these autonomous vessels empower scientists and entrepreneurs to develop informed strategies to mitigate and adapt to the ever-evolving challenges of climate change.
Notable Quotes
- Samantha Murphy Kelly: “Four years, 206 days, 18 hours and 30 minutes. That's how long the climate clock gives us.” ([00:04])
- Shepard Smith: “You know, it's really the backbone of all oceanographic data. ... And we don't have a good enough basemap.” ([02:39])
- Dr. Art Trebanis: “We need to better understand our oceans. ... It’s going to touch upon all those kinds of things.” ([06:05] & [07:46])
- Shepard Smith: “We've done it successfully at scale in the context of building a whole company around it.” ([03:26])
- Dr. Art Trebanis: “Robots excel beyond what any human pilot can do is drive nice straight lines.” ([11:13])
- Shepard Smith: “It’s much better work, life balance and…” ([18:01])
- Dr. Art Trebanis: “This is where the sort of AI and machine learning part is going, working hand in hand with it.” ([19:34])
Final Thoughts
The Next Innovation episode “How to Unlock the Ocean's Climate Solution” offers a comprehensive exploration of how cutting-edge technologies like USVs can revolutionize ocean mapping and, by extension, climate change mitigation. Through insightful discussions with experts like Shepard Smith and Dr. Art Trebanis, the episode underscores the ocean's untapped potential and the innovative solutions poised to unlock it. As we stand on the brink of a new era in marine research, autonomous systems and AI are proving indispensable in our quest to understand and protect our planet's most mysterious and vital frontier.