Ep. 38, Taking the Pulse of the Planet: From Sensors to Solutions

Key Concepts:

• Pulse of the Planet
• Adaptive Management
• Sensor Technology
• Data Science
• Inexpensive Sensors
• Groundwater Systems
• Satellite Data
• Actionable Data
• Sustainable Outcomes
• Stream Gauge
• Functional MRI (analogy)

Introduction to "Taking the Pulse of the Planet" Conference The discussion features Bill Barnett (Stanford Door School of Sustainability & Graduate School of Business), Sophia Ching (Stanford sophomore, Economics and Mathematics), and Professor Rosemary Knight (Geophysics, Stanford Door School of Sustainability, Woods Institute Senior Fellow). Professor Knight co-ran the "Pulse of the Planet" conference with Professor Fena Belli. Her key takeaway from the conference was the widespread excitement among participants about "taking the pulse of the planet." This involves finding innovative ways to utilize existing sensors or develop new ones to understand how our planet operates, map and monitor ongoing changes, and ultimately manage the planet's health optimally. This effort is characterized by a strong intersection of science, engineering, new technology, and advancements in data science.

Motivation for the Conference and the Urgency of the Topic Professor Knight emphasized the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the critical need to live sustainably. She expressed optimism, however, due to a "magical moment in time" marked by an "explosion" in new sensor technology and significant advancements in data science over the last decade. This convergence allows for the transformation of vast amounts of acquired data—from satellites, aircraft, water, and land—into actionable data. This actionable data is crucial for supporting decision-making, such as the adaptive management of freshwater resources, to achieve sustainable outcomes. The core principle highlighted is, "You can't manage what you can't measure," and the current capacity to measure is described as "phenomenal."

Innovation in Inexpensive Sensor Technology A significant surprise at the conference, noted by both Professor Knight and an editor from Nature, was the innovation in developing inexpensive sensors. Traditionally, while satellites offer advantages in spatial coverage and repeated sampling, they require ground-based or water-based sensors for calibration and to improve the accuracy of predictions. However, these traditional ground-based sensors can be very expensive to deploy and maintain. As an example, a stream gauge, which measures water discharge in a stream, can cost $1,000 to install and up to $100,000 annually for technical support and maintenance. This high cost means many parts of the world lack the optimal number of ground-based sensors. Engineers at Stanford and globally are now focusing on reducing these costs and increasing the resilience or robustness of sensors, enabling their widespread and affordable deployment. This cost reduction was identified as a particularly exciting area of innovation.

Focus on Freshwater Systems Professor Knight's long-standing focus on freshwater stems from its essential role for human life and natural ecosystems. She highlighted tremendous advancements in sensors deployed on satellites and aircraft over the last decade, which are significantly improving our understanding of freshwater systems.

• Groundwater Imaging: Her work includes a helicopter-deployed sensor capable of imaging groundwater systems up to 300 meters below the ground surface. She likens this to "MRI scanning through the human brain," allowing researchers to understand subsurface hydrological processes.
• Satellite-based "Functional MRI": She also discussed satellite data that provides the equivalent of functional MRI. Just as functional MRI shows parts of the brain "lighting up" in response to cognitive processes, these satellite images can show where snowmelt from the Sierras infiltrates the sediments of the Central Valley, effectively "lighting up" the recharge of groundwater systems. These technologies are enabling a comprehensive mapping and understanding of groundwater system structure and the intricate connections between snowmelt, rivers, and groundwater, which is crucial for protecting these vital systems for both human and ecosystem benefit.

Stanford's "Taking the Pulse of the Planet" Initiative Stanford University has launched a new initiative called "Taking the Pulse of the Planet," which integrates both research and teaching in this critical domain. Professor Knight taught a course where students actively work with large satellite datasets and Python code. The pedagogical approach encourages students to discover planetary changes for themselves—such as increases in CO2, rising temperatures, or shifts in precipitation—rather than being told. This empowers students by demonstrating the vast, accessible data sources they can tap into to better understand planetary functioning and contribute to sustainable solutions. More information about this initiative is available at takingthepulseoftheplanet.stanford.edu.

Synthesis and Conclusion The discussion underscores a pivotal moment where technological advancements in sensor development and data science are converging to provide unprecedented capabilities for monitoring and understanding Earth's complex systems. The focus on developing inexpensive, robust sensors is democratizing data collection, while sophisticated tools are revealing the intricate dynamics of vital resources like freshwater. Stanford's new initiative exemplifies the commitment to leveraging these advancements for both cutting-edge research and empowering the next generation to address global sustainability challenges through data-driven insights and adaptive management.