Innovating the Future: Technology, AI, and sustainable water solutions

In this episode of The SAGES Climate Science Podcast, we explore how innovation in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising how we monitor and address environmental challenges. Our guests are Dr. Will Harcourt, an interdisciplinary fellow from the University of Aberdeen, and Dr. Szabolcs Pap, a research fellow at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

We begin by discussing traditional methods of environmental monitoring and how innovations like AI and remote sensing technologies are opening new doors, particularly in hard-to-reach environments like the Arctic. Dr. Harcourt introduces us to the concept of "Digital Twins" and explains how they’re transforming the way we understand the Arctic’s rapid changes.

Dr. Pap takes us into the world of water management, discussing how biochar technology is helping mitigate the environmental impacts of the water industry. We’ll learn about biochar’s role in the circular economy, reducing carbon emissions, and how it addresses wastewater issues. We also explore how citizen science could play a role in advancing research and making these innovations more accessible to communities.

Tune in to discover how cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts are helping to solve pressing environmental problems, particularly in the water sector, and how innovation is driving a more sustainable future.