Interview: Big Earth Data Offers Key Resource for Global Community, Says Project Leader

A staff member works in the data room of a supercomputing center in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

The report underscores the power of data-driven methods in advancing SDG efforts and sets a new standard for using advanced technologies in sustainable development.

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Big Earth Data report, released at the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), sets a new standard for using advanced technologies in promoting sustainable development and offers key resource for the global community, the project's leader told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The Big Earth Data report has been designated as a partner of the UN platform for sustainable development.

From 2019 to 2023, China had released the annual report for five consecutive years. The report reflected the latest research results in the field of big data for sustainable development and deepens the innovative practice of using big data to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2024 report focuses on seven SDGs and explores their interconnections through 50 innovative case studies at global, regional and national levels, project leader Guo Huadong told Xinhua.

The 2024 report is jointly drafted by more than 200 researchers from 57 research institutions and universities across China through the lead and organization of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS).

"The report includes a detailed evaluation of China's progress on 227 SDGs indicators from 2010 to 2023, offering insights into the country's achievements and challenges that can guide other nations," said Guo, CBAS director-general and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

File photo of Guo Huadong, director-general of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS),  and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. (Xinhua)

The report highlights the applications of Sustainable Development Science Satellite 1 for the first time, enhancing Earth observation capabilities for SDGs monitoring, according to Guo.

The report underscores the power of data-driven methods in advancing SDG efforts and sets a new standard for using advanced technologies in sustainable development, he noted.

"It could be a key resource for the global community as we move into the second half of the SDGs implementation process," Guo said.

Explaining the significance of Big Earth Data, Guo said it is key to tackling agricultural challenges by giving detailed information on crop distribution, production, and environmental impacts at different levels. It also helps to track water quality and ecosystem health, and monitor pollution and natural disasters.

China's Big Earth Data has also won recognition from the international community.

Csaba Kőrösi, former president of the UN General Assembly, told the media that humanity need better, more accessible, and transparent data, as well as improved methods of integrating data to leap forward in implementing sustainable development.

"If we have access to Big Earth Data, the capability to process it, and the right methodology to integrate and interpret it, we will open a new chapter of science, helping humanity to leap forward," he said.