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The TED AI Show

Can AI predict (and control) the weather? w/ Dion Harris and Tapio Schneider

Sep 3, 2024
Dion Harris, head of data center product marketing at NVIDIA, and climate physicist Tapio Schneider, dive into the revolutionary potential of AI in climate modeling. They discuss the innovative concept of creating a digital twin of Earth and how it could enhance disaster response. The duo also explores the ethical dilemmas of geoengineering and the need for a balanced approach to climate interventions. With AI's growing role, they highlight the importance of localized predictions and responsible technology in tackling climate change challenges.
36:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The development of Earth-2 enhances climate modeling by utilizing AI and extensive data, significantly improving the accuracy of future climate scenario predictions.
  • While AI presents opportunities for precise weather forecasting, it also raises ethical concerns regarding geoengineering and the governance of global climate interventions.

Deep dives

Digital Twin of Earth

A digital replica of Earth, known as Earth-2, has been developed using extensive data from satellites, ground sensors, and AI technology. This model allows users to explore past climate conditions in specific locations, such as observing landscapes or climate data from as far back as 1972. The model provides detailed insights into climate variables like air quality and weather systems, enabling users to understand historical interactions between different climate factors. Importantly, Earth-2 also offers the capability to project future climate scenarios at unprecedented speeds, significantly improving upon traditional forecasting methods.

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