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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

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The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

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Featured Pathways

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The Science of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat or just a possibility, it is now a reality for all of us. In this pathway, Kevin Trenberth, a renowned climatologist, delves into the science behind climate change. He first introduces the climate system, its main components and forces.

Tackling the Plastic Crisis

Plastic pollution is by far the biggest threat to our oceans and this remains an incredibly tough problem to solve. Plastic credits could potentially serve as one of the much needed solutions for this crisis.

More pathways

Book a demo

Ready to get started?

Our Platform

Expert led content

+1,000 expert presented, on-demand video modules

Learning analytics

Keep track of learning progress with our comprehensive data

Interactive learning

Engage with our video hotspots and knowledge check-ins

Testing & certification

Gain CPD / CPE credits and professional certification

Managed learning

Build, scale and manage your organisation’s learning

Integrations

Connect Sustainability Unlocked to your current platform

Featured Content

More featured content

The Scale of the Net Zero Challenge

The price of meeting net zero is estimated to be between $100-150 trillion over the next 30 years. Regardless of this cost, we need to reach net zero before climate change does irreversible damage to the environment and the economy.

ESG, Sustainability and Impact Jargon Buster

ESG, sustainability, impact… they all just mean green, right? Not quite. Despite being used often interchangeably, there are distinct differences between these terms.

More featured content

Book a demo

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The Role of Data Science in Climate Action

The Role of Data Science in Climate Action

Angel Hsu

In this video, Angel explains how data science and digital innovation are transforming climate accountability. From AI-powered tools to satellite monitoring, technology is improving transparency and emissions tracking. But challenges like greenwashing and regulatory gaps remain.

In this video, Angel explains how data science and digital innovation are transforming climate accountability. From AI-powered tools to satellite monitoring, technology is improving transparency and emissions tracking. But challenges like greenwashing and regulatory gaps remain.

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The Role of Data Science in Climate Action

12 mins 36 secs

Key learning objectives:

  • Understand the role of data science in climate action

  • Understand the importance of accurate data and accountability

  • Understand how advancements in technology can promote climate accountability

Overview:

Climate accountability is advancing through data science and digital innovation. Historically, fragmented data hindered climate policy, but tools like AI, emissions trackers, and satellite monitoring are transforming decision-making. Despite progress, challenges remain, including greenwashing, inconsistent standards, resource constraints, and regulatory misalignment. Transparent, standardised climate reporting is essential to drive real action. With strong governance and collaboration, technology can align climate commitments with measurable impact, reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.

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Summary
Why has climate action historically lacked reliable data?

For years, climate data was underutilised because environmental systems are complex and difficult to measure consistently. Unlike financial or business data, emissions tracking lacked standardised methodologies, leading to fragmented reporting and unreliable insights. Governments and corporations often relied on voluntary self-reporting, making accountability weak. However, the growing realisation that “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” has shifted focus toward better data collection, analysis, and integration into climate policy and corporate sustainability efforts.

How is digital innovation improving climate accountability?

New technologies like smart meters, AI-powered emissions analysis, and Earth observation satellites are revolutionising climate data collection. AI-driven tools such as ChatNetZero simplify climate commitment analysis, boosting transparency and corporate accountability. Remote sensing allows real-time tracking of emissions and carbon sinks, eliminating reliance on self-reported figures. These innovations provide precise, automated data, helping businesses, investors, and policymakers make informed decisions. They also expand emissions tracking to resource-limited regions, making climate accountability more equitable and globally inclusive.

What challenges hinder the effectiveness of climate data?

Several obstacles prevent climate data from driving real change. Greenwashing remains an issue due to a lack of standardised reporting requirements, allowing companies to exaggerate sustainability claims. Data exchange is inconsistent, as different organisations use varied accounting tools and formats. Smaller entities, especially in developing countries, face resource constraints that limit emissions tracking capabilities. Additionally, regulatory misalignment across jurisdictions means climate targets and data requirements differ, making it difficult to coordinate large-scale, effective climate action.

What role do regulation and governance play in improving climate data accuracy?

Strong regulation is essential for ensuring climate data drives real action. Without mandatory, standardised reporting, organisations can manipulate climate targets without making real progress. Regulators must enforce transparency, data accessibility, and alignment across industries and governments. The UN’s push for mandatory fossil fuel phase-out plans alongside net zero targets highlights the need for more stringent accountability. Well-designed governance frameworks will determine whether digital innovations in climate tracking translate into measurable emissions reductions and impactful policy changes.

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Angel Hsu

Angel Hsu

Dr. Angel Hsu, a PhD in Environmental Policy from Yale University, is the Founder and Principal Investigator of the Data-Driven EnviroLab, a research group at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She focuses on developing data-driven global environmental policies and has previously led initiatives for corporate greenhouse gas accounting and reporting in developing countries. Angel has also contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's sixth Assessment Report. She holds a BS in Biology and a BA in Political Science from Wake Forest University. Her work focuses on innovation in environmental and climate solutions.

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