What is Data Analytics?
The field of data analytics is the set of techniques used to analyze raw data (unprocessed data) in order to extract relevant information, trends, and insights. This process includes collecting data, organizing it, and storing it, then performing statistical analysis on the data. Once the information is collected, conclusions can be drawn from it, which can be presented visually to both those working within an organization as well as to external stakeholders, who can then apply it to problem-solving, business processing, decision-making, and predictions that can inform what a company’s next steps should be. This process relies on disciplines like mathematics, statistics, and computer programming.
What is Global Warming?
Global warming is a phrase used to describe the increasing temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. This temperature rise is typically thought to be caused by a rise in pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons and carbon dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gasses. According to data, 2016 and 2019 were the two hottest years in recorded history, which indicates that global temperatures continue to be on the rise.
The increase in the world’s temperature caused by global warming poses many threats to the environment and the health of the people around the planet. Rising sea levels cause flooding and threaten coastal regions. In addition, changes in precipitation patterns can lead to droughts as well as floods, which can threaten biodiversity and food supply in various regions. In order to help combat the effects of global warming, Data Analysts turn to data to help track changes, identify trends, and ultimately find solutions.
This article will explore the increasingly important role data analytics plays in studying global warming.
How is Data Analytics Used to Study Global Warming?
Data analytics has many applications for studying the effects of global warming and other threats to the environment and planet. Here are just a few ways it is being used in 2021:
- Revitalizing damaged ecosystems. When applied to historical data, it’s possible for Ecologists to use data analytics to locate areas that have suffered from extended periods of drought or forest fires. They can then suggest the best approaches to revitalize these hard-hit areas.
- Harnessing natural energy. A proven way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to rely on natural energy sources, such as solar and wind power. However, in order to do so, it’s necessary to locate the most optimal spots to harness these energy sources. Data analytics is a powerful tool that can be used to identify the best locations to place wind turbines and solar farms, both of which provide clean energy.
- Measuring carbon footprints. Companies around the world can use data analytics to measure their carbon footprint or the total amount of greenhouse gasses their actions create. This knowledge can help companies make more informed, eco-friendly decisions, as well as to meet predefined limits.
- Reforesting. Data analytics can also be helpful for Forest Conservationists. By reviewing data from satellite images and other sources, it’s possible for them to evaluate the extent of damage to a forest. This information can propel forest conservation efforts to restore these areas since trees play a crucial role in regulating the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Creating sustainable products. Companies that use sustainable manufacturing practices can apply data analytics to their efforts to find innovative new product designs that have less of an environmental impact. Studying the relationship between carbon emissions and variables such as product design, materials, and logistics, it’s possible for them to improve the efficiency of their production lines and provide more sustainable product options.
- Evaluating the effects of global warming on glaciers. In Antarctica, environmental agencies rely on data analytics to offer predictions about the effects global warming has on the glaciers at the Earth’s poles.
- Increasing climate awareness. Despite the ongoing debate about whether climate change is caused by human efforts, the information that Data Analysts have collected pertaining to impending climate disasters provides substantial evidence of the effects of climate change. This information can be used to inform the public about the threat global warming is currently posing, and will continue to pose, if it is not properly addressed.
- Designing trash-collecting drones. It’s now possible to create drones that can help combat some of the waste humans have created, which has found its way into the water. These drones use lenses that collect data, which will eventually go into a machine learning algorithm designed to identify pieces of garbage or plastic. Then, the drone can be sent to retrieve the refuse. These drones can also locate oil spills. In addition, the Danish city Arhus has constructed a machine called WasteShark, which is an autonomous surface vehicle that travels through the water gathering trash. It brings the trash to shore when it stops to recharge. The WasteShark also has a filter designed to clean up after oil spills.
- Estimating carbon dioxide concentrations in the oceans. Machine learning methods and algorithms are currently being used to provide mapped estimates of how much carbon dioxide is concentrated on the surface of the ocean. This allows researchers to monitor factors such as carbon sink, which can help them to predict changes in climate.
- Tracking temperatures around the globe. The Climate Action Tracker was designed by NewClimate Institute and Climate Analytics to independently evaluate the climate action being taken by various governments against the global goal of keeping warming below 2°C. This tool monitors the policies and climate pledges of 32 countries, or roughly 80% of total emissions around the globe.
The information about global warming that can be gathered using data analytics not only provides a valuable lens into the effects humans have had on the environment, but offers timely data on our current practices as well. By applying analytic models to trends, it’s now possible for Data Analysts to predict what we can expect in the years to come in terms of increasing temperatures and severe weather systems if we do not work to change our practices. Ultimately, this information can be used to educate policymakers as well as the public about what we can do to help protect the planet.
Hands-On Data Analytics Classes
An important first step toward learning more about data analytics is enrolling in one of Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes. These beginner-friendly courses are currently available in topics such as Excel, Python, and data science, among other skills necessary for analyzing data.
In addition, more than 130 live online data analytics classes are also available from top providers. Courses range from three hours to six months and cost from $219 to $60,229 Students can study from the comfort of their own home or office space and still receive industry-relevant data analytics training in topics like FinTech, Tableau, and SQL, among others.
Those who are committed to learning in an intensive educational environment may also consider enrolling in a data analytics or data science bootcamp. These rigorous courses are taught by industry experts and provide timely instruction on how to handle large sets of data. Over 90 bootcamp options are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students looking to master skills and topics like data analytics, data visualization, data science, and Python, among others.
For those searching for a data analytics class nearby, Noble’s Data Analytics Classes Near Me tool provides an easy way to locate and browse the 400 or so data analytics classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats. Course lengths vary from three hours to 36 weeks and cost $119-$60,229.