Currently, data constitutes a valuable asset for both businesses and government entities. This is because, in large volumes and with proper processing and analysis, they can provide answers to questions that previously required significant time and investment. Where do we obtain these data? The SUBE card, the GPS in our mobile phones, remote sensors launched into space, security cameras, credit card transactions, and the tweets we post—all contribute to what we call 'data,' as the minimum unit that can later be analyzed.
In the context of a climate crisis driven by global warming, artificial intelligence can play a significant role in processing the massive volumes of data generated daily by citizens and industries, allowing for an early response to imminent issues. The opening of open data, such as satellite images from Landsat and Sentinel missions, has enabled scientists worldwide to analyze land cover changes, monitor bodies of water, prevent fires, and formulate evidence-based policies through the observation and processing of these images. Not only have images provided valuable information in this context, but the cooperation between private and public entities can also support research by donating data that is not publicly accessible, such as phone call data or GPS movements.
Big Data not only helps identifying the cause of events but also, due to its characteristic large volume, enables the discovery of correlations between events, revealing hidden behavioral patterns that allow us to predict when something is more likely to occur again—such as in early warning systems for fire prevention. It also prompts questions about various relationships, for example: What is the correlation between deforestation, changes in bodies of water, and the proliferation of disease vectors? Additionally, the widespread use of sensors, such as smart meters in electrical or water networks, will open up a range of questions and answers regarding energy consumption and the possibility of improvement.
To achieve this in our country, an appropriate infrastructure is necessary, contained within a regulatory framework that provides a balance between the protection of personal data and the potential for research using large data sources. Currently, some entities make data available, but are they suitable for the use of artificial intelligence tools? Can they answer questions about environmental issues? Are they consistent over time and allow for correlation? These are some of the questions surrounding the chosen topic for this work.