Global Conversation in Hong Kong

In “Can big data save lives? Protecting Hong Kong against air pollution and extreme weather” hear from Professor Gavin Shaddick (University of Exeter), Professor Gabriel Lau (Chinese University of Hong Kong) who will present latest research in this field.

Guests will be welcomed by Professor Sir Steve Smith (Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor) and CM Shun, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session chaired by Professor Christine Loh (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), also featuring Mr CM Shun (HKO), and Ted Hodgkinson (Head of Corporate Risk and Broking, Hong Kong and Macau at Willis Towers Watson).

Synopsis:

Environmental risk is a major challenge for Hong Kong: typhoons, flooding and air pollution effect everyone’s lives and, with climate change and continued urbanisation, the threats to our health, safety and prosperity are set to increase in the future. Could we save lives if we were able to predict patterns of environmental change and the risks they pose?

Scientists at the University of Exeter, working with the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), are using ‘big data’ to gain a better understanding of the interactions between human activity and our environment. By revealing patterns within massive volumes of data, it is possible to provide more accurate short-term warnings to individuals and businesses, and to advise governments on longer-term policy interventions.

Professor Gavin Shaddick, Chair of Data Science and Statistics at Exeter, will demonstrate how research in environmental intelligence is being used to empower individuals and businesses with the information they need to reduce environmental and climatic risks, including air pollution in cities such as Hong Kong. Professor Gabriel Lau from CUHK will discuss the use of data and high-performance computing in research and weather operations that is enabling more accurate assessments of climate change and predictions of extreme weather events.

How to book:  

To register your place for this event, please complete the online booking form. 

Booking note: 

This event is free-of-charge to attend and you are welcome to bring a guest. Light refreshments will be provided.

For Exeter Alumni:

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