Projects

ARIA Forecasting Tipping Points Programme

Imirfada has been selected for an award from Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) to develop low-cost, autonomous Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) profiling devices suitable for installation in ocean-going platforms to persistently observe and quantify phytoplankton distributions in the upper ocean.

Our vision is to create a network of LiDAR devices capable of fully automatic, long term, unattended operations.

By placing the LiDAR devices on research vessels, ferries, cruise ships, fishing fleets and container ships, the goal is to create a rich dataset that can help us predict and prepare for significant changes in the earth's climate and the ocean ecosystem health. This breakthrough research will be done in collaboration with University of Strathclyde and BeamSea Associates LLC.

Here’s what ARIA say about their Forecasting Tipping Points Programme.

Major parts of the Earth system are at risk of crossing climate tipping points within the next century – thresholds that, once passed, could trigger irreversible changes for our coastal communities, food security, and biodiversity.

Yet, even our most advanced climate models are still not able to confidently predict when a climate system will tip, what the consequences will be, or how fast they will unfold. With global warming already set to exceed 1.5°C, the stakes couldn't be higher.

27 cross-disciplinary teams have been funded through the Forecasting Tipping Points programme, to define and detect the earliest signs of climate tipping points.

We’ve gathered leading climate scientists alongside experts pivoting from fields like optics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, photonics and nuclear physics – to collaborate on new solutions to this critical challenge.

Our shared goal? To develop an early warning system for climate tipping points, giving decision makers and local communities the information and time required to accelerate climate adaptations and mitigations.