Google Search Alert: Excessive Heat Alerts 2023

Google has launched a number of efforts to deliver up-to-date and actionable information to assist individuals and towns in coping with climate change-related temperature increases.

These initiatives include the addition of additional alerts for excessive heat on Google Search, the extension of the Tree Canopy tool for urban planning, and a $5 million investment in the World Resources Institute through the Google.org Impact Challenge for Climate Innovation.

New Notifications for High Heat on Google Search

As the frequency of extreme weather occurrences increases, so does online interest in heat waves.

In the next months, Google will add excessive heat notifications to Search in order to give accurate and relevant information during such occasions. The search results will include information regarding the duration of a heat wave, cooling techniques, and the accompanying health hazards.

Google is collaborating with the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) to provide accurate and pertinent data.

Gadgets Driven By Artificial Intelligence Could Help Cities Fight Increasing Temperatures

Often, urban areas experience “heat islands” where temperatures are elevated due to heat-absorbing infrastructure such as roads and buildings.

To counteract this problem, Google’s Tree Canopy tool, part of the Environmental Insights Explorer, employs artificial intelligence and aerial photography to assist communities in analyzing tree coverage and planning urban forestry projects more successfully.

The Tree Canopy tool is currently accessible in approximately 350 cities throughout the globe, with ambitions to extend to thousands more locations this year.

Google is also creating a tool to facilitate the installation of cool roofs, which are meant to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat.

This program will employ AI algorithms and drone photography to assist towns in identifying places where cool roofs may be beneficial. Soon, pilot programs involving certain cities will be initiated.

Google.com Contributes to Climate Action

Google.org supports charitable initiatives aimed at identifying populations most impacted by excessive heat and determining how to assist them.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) will be the first beneficiary of the $30 million Google.org Impact Challenge for climate action. WRI will receive $5 million.

WRI’s research will combine sensors, satellite imaging, and AI to fill in data gaps and model a variety of high heat-related parameters. This information will assist decision-makers in determining where to construct infrastructure such as trees and reflecting surfaces.

Google.org also supports American Forests’ expansion of its free urban forestry tools for communities and Resilient Cities Catalyst’s development of an AI-driven heat-energy vulnerability assessment via the ICLEI USA Action Fund. In their efforts, both groups will utilize Google’s Tree Canopy tool.

In summation

Google’s efforts to assist individuals and communities in adapting to increasing temperatures illustrate the potential of technology to combat climate change.

Google makes a significant contribution to global climate action by delivering timely and relevant information on extreme weather and assisting cities and organizations in creating infrastructure to minimize the effects of climate change.

As the frequency of extreme weather occurrences rises, these initiatives become more more important for the safety and well-being of people across the world.