Dr. Lucas Joppa – How can data and AI stem climate change?

In the 8th episode of Planet A’s second season, Dan Jørgensen talks with Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer, Dr. Lucas Joppa. 

Dr. Joppa has worked at the nexus of data and sustainability throughout his career and is now leading Microsoft’s efforts to become a carbon negative company. Furthermore, he leads the company’s work on data and tech solutions that can help decarbonize the entire world.

Perhaps unbeknownst to many, the use, storage and processing of data emit as much  CO2 as the global airline industry.

While Dr. Joppa is keenly aware of the fact that data is contributing to the problem of climate change, he is also a strong believer in its ability to create sustainable solutions. 

During the conversation, Dr. Joppa also talks about Microsoft’s investment in carbon removal through both “nature based solutions” and mechanical carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Through Microsoft’s partnerships with NGOs and start-ups, he has also pioneered the use of data solutions and artificial intelligence to advance sustainable solutions. 

Most notably, Dr. Joppa founded “AI for Earth” - a computing platform that can predict and thereby help prevent environmental threats. 

To him, the global community has not focused enough on how technology and data can help promote sustainability. 

In order to create an efficient carbon market, we need to have more data and measurements. 

For instance, no one knows exactly how many trees there are in the United States, which would be a prerequisite to analyze the price of both nature based and technological CCS solutions.