Scoping Our Planet
Current Earth system measurements have serious gaps that lead to uncertainties in weather forecasting and climate predictions. By harnessing the power of optics we can fill these gaps, equipping society to respond confidently to the climate crisis.
Core beliefs
The core beliefs that underpin this opportunity space:
Current climate measurements fail to provide the coverage, resolution or sensitivity necessary to confidently understand and respond to the climate crisis → we need disruptive technologies to parameterise the entire Earth system.
Monitoring and modelling are crucial for effective climate management, but both are limited by measurement gaps → without better measurements we won’t succeed in climate change mitigation, adaptation, or intervention.
We have entered a new era of optics and photonics, with unprecedented control of light and its interactions with the environment, from molecular to global scales → the optics community are poised to fill the climate measurement gaps.
Observations
Some signposts as to why we see this area as important, underserved, and ripe.
Programme spotlight: Forecasting Tipping Points
Major parts of the Earth system are at risk of crossing climate tipping points within the next century, with severe consequences for biodiversity, food security, agriculture, and humanity.
Despite the potential impact, we’re poorly equipped to characterise the long-term trends of our climate systems, or predict the future risk of runaway, self-perpetuating change.
Backed by £81m, this programme combines expertise in observation and modelling with innovative sensing systems, to develop a proof-of-concept for an early warning system for climate. By confidently predicting when a system will tip, what the consequences may be, and how quickly that change may unfold, we’ll equip society with the information it needs to build resilience and accelerate proactive climate mitigation.
Meet the programme team
Gemma Bale and Sarah Bohndiek are biomedical physicists working as co-Programme Directors. They both joined ARIA from the University of Cambridge, where Gemma continues to lead teams working on non-invasive brain monitoring, and Sarah in optical imaging technology for earlier cancer detection.
"Current Earth system measurements have serious gaps in coverage, resolution and sensitivity that lead to major uncertainties in climate forecasting. We believe that we can fill these gaps by breaking silos and harnessing technologies that are already impacting our daily lives, from the latest innovations in smartphone cameras and AI, to telecommunications optical fibres."
Meet the programme team
Dan has a diverse academic background in applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with a focus on developing and enhancing ocean and atmospheric models. He joined ARIA from University College London, where he is a Senior Research Fellow in machine learning for weather and climate sciences.
Meet the programme team
Prior working with ARIA, Jess built a career innovating clinical trial management at tech SMEs, where she led teams developing interactive response technology platforms to streamline trial processes, and oversaw global data management and quality control at neuroimaging facilities. Jess supports ARIA as an operating partner from Pace.
Our other opportunity spaces
Our opportunity spaces are designed as an open invitation for researchers from across disciplines and institutions to learn with us and contribute – a variety of perspectives are just what we need to change what’s possible.