KUCHING: Big data is an increasingly valuable renewable resource that could provide economic value while also driving environmental and energy sustainability, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Dubbed as the ‘new oil’, Abang Johari said big data will play a vital role in environmental and energy sustainability as well as protecting the environment and natural resources and assessing environmental risks.
“Take, for example, an aqueduct — using big data, such as water quantity, quality and other changing regulatory issues, this water-risk mapping tool was created to monitor and calculate water risks around the world.
“Big data will enable environmental sustainability and security by giving the world the opportunity to better understand its demand for energy, food and water,” he said.
He said this when delivering his speech at the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2022 (IDECS 2022) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here, today.
Among the many benefits of big data for sustainability, he added, is its role in enforcing regulatory practices around the world in tracking emissions and achieving renewable energy goals as they raise sustainability standards in all sectors.
“For example, it takes 2,000 litres of water to produce the food necessary to feed one person for a single day.
“Given the average rate of resource use and growing scarcity, the use of big data in agriculture is crucial.
“Big data is indispensable in managing the environmental and energy sustainability challenges and issues,” he explained.
Additionally, the premier noted that the economic transition to an equitable, net-zero and sustainable future is one of society’s most pressing challenges and greatest responsibilities.
“We require evidence-based insights, high-quality data and advanced analytics to support plans when it comes to integrating sustainability and performance now more than ever,” Abang Johari pointed out.
