Microsoft's Planetary Computer is an ambitious project aimed at providing environmental data, tools, and analytics to help organizations and individuals make more informed decisions about the planet's resources and ecosystems. Launched in 2020, the initiative is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to sustainability, which also includes a pledge to become carbon negative by 2030.
The Planetary Computer combines artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and satellite imagery to gather, process, and analyze vast amounts of data about the Earth's ecosystems. This data can then be used to create insights and actionable intelligence for conservation, resource management, and climate change mitigation efforts.
Some of the key components of the Planetary Computer include:
- Data: Access to a wide range of environmental data, including satellite imagery, weather data, and species distribution information.
- Models and analytics: Machine learning and AI algorithms that process and analyze the data to identify trends and generate insights.
- Applications and tools: User-friendly tools and applications that make it easier for stakeholders to access, understand, and apply the data and insights generated by the Planetary Computer.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners to help scale and accelerate the impact of the Planetary Computer.
By providing comprehensive information and tools, Microsoft's Planetary Computer aims to empower organizations and individuals to make more informed decisions and take effective actions to protect the planet's natural resources and ecosystems.