Contribute to Climate Action by Exploring Quantum Technologies
Quantum technologies have the potential to significantly mitigate climate change. The GenQ Quantum Computing Hackathon invites students, entrepreneurs, lateral thinkers, and environmentalists to realize a quantum-based tech use case addressing climate change.
According to thousands of scientists, the global climate system has tipping points that, if crossed, will lead to catastrophic and often irreversible changes. The Arctic region is currently warming at about twice the global average rate. Melting sea ice and glaciers increase the risk of coastal erosion and flooding, especially in low-lying areas. This threatens coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Higher sea levels can also lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, which affects water quality and availability for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Consequently, many parts of the world already suffer food and water shortages.
Natural disasters intensified by climate change, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, regularly cause habitat loss and significant economic damage. Proactive climate action could reduce the frequency and severity of these events. Climate change also exacerbates health issues like heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of infectious diseases.
“Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives, costing people, communities, and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow”, concludes a report by the United Nations (UN). However, vulnerable communities, including low-income populations and indigenous peoples, are disproportionately affected by climate change. Mitigating climate change can reduce these risks and ensure better health for all.
How can quantum technologies mitigate climate change?
Taking climate action is crucial for protecting ecosystems, ensuring global health and well-being, promoting economic stability, supporting vulnerable communities, and preventing irreversible environmental damage. Quantum technologies enable new solutions to combat climate change.
Quantum advancements could lead to breakthroughs in fundamental science as quantum computers promise to solve specific problems exponentially faster than classical computers. “This enhanced computational power can improve our understanding of climate science and help predict future climate scenarios with greater precision”, says Dr. Tobias Denzler, Head of Academic Relations at QAI Ventures.
Quantum can also lay the foundation for optimized resource utilization and improved efficiency across industries, which reduces energy consumption, emissions, and waste. “Quantum computing has the potential to optimize industrial processes and supply chains, making them more energy-efficient and reducing their overall carbon footprint. At QAI Ventures, we aim to prove that quantum technology can solve real-world problems and address global challenges, such as climate change”, explains Tobias Denzler.
Dedicated talents with complementary skills come together to further climate action
At the Calgary edition of the GenQ Quantum Computing Hackathon organized by QAI Ventures Canada and powered by Quantum City, tech, innovation, and sustainability enthusiasts are invited to leverage quantum technologies and develop quantum use cases combating climate change. Quantum computing experience is not required. At the 48-hour hackathon, students, innovation specialists, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, business people, web designers, and software developers will collaborate to further climate action.
During the first evening of the hackathon, participants can either form teams on their own or choose to be matched with other bright minds complementing their skill sets and experience. Multiple studies show that more diverse teams usually perform better. “People who come from different backgrounds will have unique perspectives and ways of thinking. This allows them to unlock new ideas that a more homogenous team might never stumble upon”, states a Forbes article.
Experienced mentors support the hackathon teams by sharing their knowledge, expertise, and know-how, while quantum hardware companies provide critical infrastructure. The GenQ Quantum Computing Hackathon will end with a final pitch competition, during which the teams present their solutions to a jury and receive feedback. “We are excited to see the hackathon teams realize ideas based on quantum computing to address climate change, one of the most pressing issues of our time”, says QAI Ventures’ Tobias Denzler.