Using intuition and AI to save coral reefs | Dr. Annalisa Bracco | TEDxAlexanderPark
13 Aug 2024 (1 month ago)
- Dr. Annalisa Bracco is a scientist who uses computers and artificial intelligence to study ocean currents and their impact on coral reefs.
- Her interest in the ocean began during her youth when she learned to sail in Venice.
- Dr. Bracco's research focuses on eddies, which are vortices in the ocean that play a significant role in transporting materials, including coral larvae.
- She discovered that eddies can isolate coral colonies, preventing genetic exchange between them.
- Dr. Bracco's research has shown that coral reefs that are well-connected are more resilient to environmental stressors, such as bleaching events.
- She and her team developed a machine learning algorithm that uses satellite data to map coral reef connectivity and identify regions that are most vulnerable to climate change.
- This algorithm can help scientists prioritize conservation efforts and identify areas where restoration projects are most likely to be successful.
- Dr. Bracco emphasizes the importance of human connectivity and communication in addressing the challenges facing coral reefs.
- She believes that a combination of technological solutions, such as negative emission technologies and hydrogen conversion, along with individual actions to reduce carbon emissions, are necessary to protect coral reefs.