Machine Learning in Ocean Acidification

Machine learning, whether we like it or not, has been all around us. Google, the world's most used search engine, has created neural networks that can code themselves more efficiently than their creators. As the field of data science and machine learning continues to expand, there will be ample new use cases, and AI will likely become integrated with our daily life.

Companies are increasingly using machine learning to predict when something might go wrong. For example, models can warn companies when a malfunctional part causes halt in production. The reason I believe machine learning is so powerful is that it can use many factors and calculate an accurate estimate of whatever it is being used for. As a result, I believe that machine learning models can be created that can predict CO2 levels, or how the CO2 levels will impact ocean acidification. If we can create an accurate machine learning model on ocean acidification, we can determine how much CO2 we need to limit, or whether or not our actions are reversible. The UN has already started looking into the future, and it's not so bright:

Some diligent researchers have used machine learning to determine the effect of forests and plants on carbon emissions, and how the carbon emissions could effect the planets. In addition, they factored in soil nutrients and climate characteristics on the plants' ability to absorb CO2. Using their model in correspondence with satellite data, they found that large rainforests, such as the Amazon and Congo, had the largest potential to absorb CO2. If governments collaborated with researchers or created their own machine learning models to determine methods to reduce CO2 concentrations, we could push for laws to protect the flora that protect us from greenhouse gases. For example, nations could internationally agree that rainforests must be protected, and outlaw the use of tropical forests for lumber (and actually enforce it). These steps would cause a significant change in our current trajectory. They would help us limit increased temperatures, higher oceans, and acidifying waters. The marvels of machine learning could be the backbone of our research, and help guide us in critical decisions that impact our future generations.

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