On Earth Day, we reflect not only on climate change and natural disasters but also on the technologies that help keep us safe during such events. One such technology is Google’s environmental crisis notifications.
Each year, countless people experience natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, leading to the loss of lives and property. To address this global issue, Google has developed environmental crisis notifications to provide quick and accurate details to those in affected regions.
These notifications are accessible via Google Search and Maps, enabling individuals and communities to take the necessary precautions and make informed decisions during crises. This article delves into Google’s environmental crisis notifications, such as flood predictions, wildfire mapping, and earthquake detection, and how these innovations contribute to safer and stronger communities.
Overview Of Google’s Environmental SOS Alerts
Google’s SOS alerts offer quick access to authoritative information during emergencies, including summaries of ongoing events, relevant news stories, emergency phone numbers, and websites. Over time, these alerts have been enhanced with visual information about natural disasters.
A new navigation warning system on Google Maps allows people to anticipate and understand a disaster’s trajectory. For example, in the days leading up to a hurricane, people near the impacted area will see a crisis notification card on Google Maps that directs them to a hurricane forecast cone. This notification shows the predicted trajectory of the storm and when it is expected to impact specific areas. Similarly, the crisis card will display a shakemap after an earthquake, detailing the epicenter, magnitude, and intensity of shaking in surrounding areas.
People in India, where over 20 percent of global flood-related fatalities occur, can access flood forecasts that show the likelihood and severity of flooding in different areas. Google has alerts for the following types of environmental crises:
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes
- Extreme Heat
Floods
Floods are among the most frequent and damaging natural disasters, significantly affecting communities and economies worldwide. To lessen their impact, Google has created real-time flood prediction models in collaboration with local governments. These models estimate the timing, location, and severity of floods, enabling better preparedness.
Google’s flood prediction technology is based on physics-oriented modeling and machine learning. It uses data from satellite images, measurement gauges, and elevation maps to produce accurate forecasts and flood models. Additionally, Google offers interactive maps that allow people to see their location relative to predicted flood areas.
Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, supports initiatives to deliver flood alert information to those without internet access, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Wildfires
Wildfires pose significant threats to communities, and early detection is crucial for minimizing damage. Google utilizes data from NOAA’s satellites and its own computing power to detect active wildfires and produce approximate boundaries on Google Search and Maps.
These wildfire boundary maps, built using infrared technology and optical imagery, are accompanied by safety information from local authorities, including shelter details and evacuation procedures, which are critical during wildfire events.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are challenging due to their unexpected nature. Google has collaborated with ShakeAlert to provide earthquake notifications directly to Android devices in California, Washington, and Oregon. ShakeAlert, developed by top seismologists, uses data from over 700 seismometers for early earthquake warnings.
Recognizing that traditional seismometers are not available globally, Google has developed the Android Earthquake Alerts System, transforming Android phones into mini seismometers and creating the world’s largest earthquake detection network. When an earthquake is detected, the system notifies Android users in affected areas, helping them take necessary precautions.
Hurricanes
In the days leading up to a hurricane, Google Search and Maps display detailed forecast cones from authoritative sources, showing the storm’s predicted trajectory and potential impact. Google Maps also provides prominent alerts if a user’s route may be affected by storm activity, with real-time updates on road conditions to ensure safe navigation.
Extreme Heat
To help communities adapt to rising temperatures, Google has introduced initiatives focused on extreme heat alerts and AI-powered tools for urban heat mitigation. Google Search displays new extreme heat alerts that provide details on when a heatwave is expected to start and end, along with tips for staying cool and related health concerns. These alerts are prominently displayed in search results and are developed in collaboration with the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN).
Conclusion
As the world encounters increasing environmental crises, technology like Google’s environmental crisis alerts plays a crucial role in keeping people informed and safe. This Earth Day, we acknowledge the importance of technology in reducing the impact of natural disasters and in providing communities with up-to-date information and resources for disaster preparedness. Google’s efforts are pivotal in mitigating the consequences of severe weather conditions.
Featured Image: 3d_kot/Shutterstock
