Conservation of the environment is crucial for a sustainable future, and at the root of this effort lies environmental monitoring. Environmental monitoring refers to the process in which we attempt to measure environmental sustainability, to assess whether environmental conditions are deteriorating or sustainable. Environment monitoring systems can track climate indicators and environmental changes, helping scientists, farmers, and governments to understand the trends and conditions of our environment necessary for protecting our planet, maintaining ecological balance, and improving the quality of human life.
There are various types of environmental monitoring systems to gauge environmental sustainability such as remote sensing, manual sampling, laboratory testing, AI-based systems, modeling, and auditing.
Environmental Monitoring by Remote sensing includes the mapping of soil properties and crop yield, monitoring of weeds and crop disease, and nutrient and water stress. It allows the accurate modeling of environmental conditions affecting agricultural land. Manual Sampling and Laboratory testing often involve the collection of samples and observing them in a specific environment against different parameters. AI-based environmental monitoring systems often include sensors or IoT-based advanced algorithms which are far more convenient than conventional systems. The primary objective of Modelling and auditing is to identify to which extent crop yield, soil quality, carbon sequestration, and crop health are affected by a particular activity and to take measures to mitigate these effects
Environmental monitoring uses different tools that identify and analyze environmental conditions to assess the impact an activity has on the environment such as handheld probes, automated samplers, impingers, data loggers, and sensors. Environmental monitoring sensors are prominent nowadays due to their wide application and portability. In light of the increasing obstacles, to maintaining sustainability there is a demand for creative solutions more than ever before. As we tackle the challenges posed by climate change loss of biodiversity and depletion of resources the call for smart and easy-to-use remedies has become crucial. In answer to this call, SAWIE has risen to play a keen role by harnessing the capabilities of intelligence (AI) to create state-of-the-art interventions that not only uphold environmental principles but also prioritize accessibility and user-friendliness, for all involved parties. COP28, or the 28th Conference of the Parties, is likely to be another significant platform that discusses implementing climate-smart environmental monitoring strategies. Policymakers advocated for increased support for climate-smart monitoring initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and achieve sustainable development goals. Environmental monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding the state of our planet’s ecosystems, tracking changes over time, and informing policy decisions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. In today’s world, as we face the challenges posed by climate change there is a growing realization of the significance of embracing climate-smart methods. These methods involve incorporating climate factors into sectors, like farming, city planning, transportation, and energy generation. This approach enables us to enhance our ability to withstand the impacts of climate change while also curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Efficient environmental monitoring plays a role in providing data for evaluating the effectiveness of climate-conscious endeavors identifying areas that need attention and tracking progress, towards climate-related objectives. It assists decision-makers and stakeholders in making informed choices and utilizing resources effectively. Some of the widely used EM systems are listed below:
Climate-smart approaches in environmental monitoring play a vital role in addressing climate change by detecting and assessing environmental changes promptly. These smart environmental monitoring approaches help and assist not only farmers but every stakeholder of society in understanding the changes in their agricultural land, air, water, or overall environment identifying problems, and taking appropriate measures to combat these problems to reduce risks and losses associated with agricultural production.
SAWIE collaborates with governments, businesses, NGOs, and local communities to make sure its solutions are not just strong technically but culturally and contextually fitting. This inclusive method encourages ownership establishes trust and nurtures a shared commitment, to caring for the environment. Additionally, it fosters international collaboration for global climate resilience. Overall, investing in climate-smart monitoring is crucial for sustainable development and effective climate adaptation strategies.
SAWiE after intense research is in the process of developing a biodiversity sustainability monitoring tool aimed at assessing the biodiversity situation at the installation point. This intervention seeks to integrate biodiversity data with a green economy dashboard, facilitating informed decision-making for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Our team is in the final stages of refining this tool, which will serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders across various sectors to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and earn green credits to promote sustainable practices.