Welcome! We are excited to launch the Weather and Climate Community, and here are just a few reasons why:
Weather’s Impact on History
Weather and climate have had a history of playing a role in events that have helped shaped humanity. We’ve learned how the harsh winters for the colonists in Plymouth, MA. influenced their daily lives and survival tactics. The D-Day invasion and what some describe as the most important weather forecast in history. Weather was the key in the success of the operation. It’s even been surmised that a period of cold and stormy weather that lasted a few hundred years helped coincide with the decline of the Roman Empire and spread of the bubonic plague. It’s likely no coincidence that the Age of Renaissance followed this period of harsh weather in Europe as temperatures rebounded and the plague ended.
Weather vs Climate
So, what is the difference between weather and climate? Is there one? Simply put, weather is what is occurring now, or on a short-term basis. For instance, will it be sunny, or rainy today? Climate is the type of weather a region experiences over a long period of time. For example, the wintertime climate for Miami, FL is typically mild. When experts speak about climate change, it’s the changes in a certain region’s climate. This could be more rain or snow, warmer temperatures, drought etc. When we think of climate change, we are generally referring to the background warming signal that exists across Earth today. This is an area that has caused a lot of confusion with the public. Climate change does not mean the weather cannot get cold anymore. Short term signals like El-Nino/La-Nina may trump the underlying warming signal from climate change, but when you look at the long-term temperatures over the past 100+ years, the trend line is up.
Image: Global Land and Ocean January–December Temperature Anomalies
Source: Climate.gov
Weather-based Business Decisions
Weather and climate play significant roles in business decisions, with each topic having a different effect.
- Energy and Utilities: The weather on a certain day may determine things like do I need to plan for power outages?
- Aviation Airport Operations: Is rain or snow going to hamper my operations on the airport tarmac?
- Transportation: Will truck drivers be able to deliver their goods due to an approaching snowstorm?
- Climate Risks: Climate and the impacts of a warming world may cause businesses to think long term. Am I at risk for coastal flooding? Is my business at risk for river flooding? Is my bank able to hand out loans to those wanting to build along the coast?
Enter Sustainability, ESG, Net Zero
Sustainability is a hot topic with almost all corporations. Incentives are handed out to those who are achieving results to lower their carbon footprint. Investors are also targeting companies with strong ESG reporting. Consumers are more and more looking to organizations to make corporate commitments like Net Zero carbon emissions. Employees are incorporating a company’s social and environmental commitments, when deciding where to work.
Weather & Sustainability Solutions
IBM is looking to tie all these topics into solutions customers can use to facilitate operational decisions. With the help of industry leading AI technology and the world’s most accurate weather data driven by a team of meteorologists, IBM weather solutions are second to none in the weather business. The acquisition of Envizi has now empowered IBM to be a leader in sustainability solutions.
A Weather Community for YOU
This Weather Community is a platform to help you engage with the vast community in IBM, but with other customers as well. A question you may have about product functionality might be answered by another user. We hope to have this community page be an engaging and informative way to get information on how IBM’s solutions in weather and sustainability can help your business needs.
#WeatherandEnvironmentalIntelligence#ESGDataandEnvironmentalIntelligence