Meiya Gujjalu

Tag: environment

  • Overcome the climate crisis: impossible?

    Check out my New Year’s special issue for the Daily Cal!

    As a new year begins, the skies over Los Angeles bear the scars of wildfires that raged ferociously, while floods, droughts and hurricanes devastate communities across the globe. Last year marked a tipping point — the planet crossed the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold, a stark reminder of the scale of human impact on Earth. Extreme weather, political inaction and corporations backpedaling on sustainability promises further exacerbate our current situation. 

    The events of 2024 have illustrated the consequences of inaction. Climate disasters have displaced millions, transforming regions into migration hubs where survival is a daily struggle. The International Chamber of Commerce estimates that extreme weather over the past decade has caused $2 trillion in economic losses, deepening global inequalities. Coral reefs, vital to marine biodiversity, have suffered catastrophic damage, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods. 

    Global summits are bogged down by bureaucracy and greenwashing, yet a rising sense of urgency is shared by scientists, activists and people worldwide as they begin demanding change. 

    Emerging signs of hope illustrate the power of innovation and determination in driving sustainability. In Ghana, Africa’s largest floating solar farm on the Bui Dam is blending solar and hydroelectric energy, feeding clean power into the national grid — a model that could inspire other nations. Similarly, in Rwanda, electric motorbikes are replacing traditional moto-taxis, not only cutting emissions but also improving air quality in urban areas. These efforts highlight how sustainability initiatives can provide immediate benefits to local communities.

    Groundbreaking conservation projects are also gaining momentum. The first successful in vitro pregnancy of a northern white rhino signals a potential turning point for this critically endangered species. The rewilding movement is also gaining strength, with reintroducing species such as the European bison and lynx to their natural habitats, helping restore biodiversity and rebuild carbon sinks. 

    And, even more ambitious, de-extinction projects — such as Colossal Biosciences’ initiative to revive woolly mammoths by 2028 — are pushing the limits of what is possible in conservation, sparking new possibilities for ecological restoration. 

    Yet, while technological advancements hold promise, they cannot reverse damage unless paired with a shift in mindset that prioritizes sustainability over unchecked growth. It is a dangerous illusion to think we can pollute freely and then rely on recycling to make it right — especially when only a fraction of recyclable plastics are ever actually recycled.

    Economist Mariana Mazzucato’s idea of mission-oriented innovation offers a practical starting point for change by advocating for a realignment of markets with the common good. Instead of pursuing growth for its own sake, Mazzucato calls for policies and business models that prioritize shared prosperity and environmental sustainability.

    We need a transformation in our approach to one that values sustainability and mindful consumption over relentless expansion, putting ecological health and long-term stability above short-term gains.

    One of the greatest obstacles to meaningful progress that remains is climate change denial. This takes on many forms: from outright rejection of science to greenwashing and half-hearted efforts that delay real change. Often, these barriers are fueled by entrenched economic interests, ideological resistance or deliberate misinformation campaigns aimed to protect the status quo.

    We must begin prioritizing education and media literacy, helping individuals discern facts from falsehoods. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to making the crisis feel personal, hence galvanizing collective action. 

    Simultaneously, sectors such as energy, agriculture and technology must adopt approaches that address the root causes of climate change. Governments must enforce policies that foster green innovation and hold polluters accountable. Educational systems must equip future generations to lead the sustainability charge. And, on an individual level, we must demand transparency from corporations, support local initiatives and hold leaders accountable to their climate commitments

    The question is no longer whether this shift is possible — it is about whether we have the courage to make it happen.

    2025 presents a pivotal moment to turn hope into concrete action. The stakes could not be higher, but neither could the opportunities for progress. The lessons of 2024 — both the human costs of inaction and the power of community-driven solutions — should inspire our determination. 

    The climate crisis is not an insurmountable challenge; it is a test of our collective will, creativity and resolve. The time to act is now. So, are we ready to face the challenge?

    https://www.dailycal.org/overcome-the-climate-crisis-impossible/article_c8bc1716-d879-11ef-9347-4bc03176131c.html

  • AI’s mammoth role in dodo-ing conservation

    Check out my latest piece for the Daily Cal, written during my internship at Colossal! 

    As amazing as anything our generation could uncover or discover, the prospect of encountering a resurrected Dodo bird is beyond any “Frankenstein-esque” project that I had ever imagined. Literally beyond my wildest dreams! However, besides being a cool endeavor, the project has immense ecological promise. The success of such an ambitious conservation initiative will depend, however, on our ability to design new technologies while addressing ethical concerns. But if we don’t innovate, we might face the extinctions of other species and their ecosystems.

    It was previous UC Berkeley professor George Poinar Jr.’s research on DNA preserved in prehistoric amber that inspired Michael Crichton to write the script for blockbuster movie “Jurassic Park.” Now, with artificial intelligence, or AI, tools developing rapidly, we are experiencing major changes in our lives, work and learning experiences. 

    These technologies present unparalleled opportunities to drive innovation and solve complex challenges — from predicting disease outbreaks to modeling climate change patterns. Universities are already dedicated to expanding the frontiers of knowledge, and we, students, have the opportunity to leverage AI to improve the world through outstanding research and education. 

    While many are stunned by the fast pace of these tech advancements and are apprehensive of their risks, they offer exciting avenues to explore. In the face of climate change, AI is a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can revolutionize our approach to mitigating biodiversity loss and protecting our natural world. 

    On the academic front, UC Berkeley will soon open its new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society — the first new college to be created on campus in over 50 years. Machine learning was already gaining traction among computer scientists and researchers at UC Berkeley in the late 2010s. 

    However, the real turning point came in 2022 with the advent of technologies like ChatGPT. Since then, AI has sparked a surge in both academic and corporate investment, reshaping research on campus. Faculty and students across all disciplines have begun leveraging AI to accelerate their research, facilitate teaching and design new educational approaches.

    AI may be our most promising opportunity to address climate change. Scientists are already using AI to help us mitigate the impacts of climate change by improving our ability to predict extreme weather events and by providing decision support tools to help us respond more effectively. AI aids in mapping greenhouse gas emissions, detecting forest fires and, now, de-extincting species! 

    To organize these efforts, the Berkeley AI Research Climate Initiative is spearheading projects to address environmental issues through innovative tech-driven solutions. It uses vision techniques to monitor endangered populations in National Parks, relying on unsupervised and self-supervised methods — similar to those used in human face recognition  — to automate this task.  

    Biotechs like Colossal Biosciences (where I have the unique privilege of interning this summer) are working to restore ecosystems and de-extinct species — Dodo birds, the woolly mammoth or the Thylacine. 

    The forefront of Colossal’s efforts is the integration of AI and CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, pioneered by UC Berkeley professor Jennifer Doudna. This groundbreaking approach involves modifying the genes of Nicobar pigeons to create Dodo bird hybrids that could thrive in our changing climate. 

    The reintroduction of Dodos to their native habitats in Mauritius will aid with vital ecological roles such as seed dispersal and vegetation management, boosting biodiversity and supporting other wildlife. Plus, Dodos could also help with carbon sequestration — healthy ecosystems with diverse plants are more effective at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change.

    Colossal is already working with various conservation groups to explore ways to use these technologies to protect endangered species, enhance genetic diversity and monitor health. For instance, it uses drones with infrared cameras to study behaviors and habitats of African elephants. 

    This blend of new tech and conservation know-how not only protects endangered animals but also makes them more resilient against climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction. Humans have transformed ecosystems so dramatically that it led to the extinction of these species, with many more species at risk. Colossal’s work — as well as that of similar companies — could be our only hope to rehabilitate ecosystems and prevent more environmental disasters. 

    It’s a big step toward global conservation goals. 

    While we should still design new technologies, we could also leverage existing tools to engage audiences who may not fully understand the importance of such conservation efforts. The vast scale and the complexities of the climate crisis can quickly be overwhelming, which often leads to public disengagement.  

    Scientific research can be difficult to grasp, especially as we don’t always have all the answers that we’d like to guide our understanding. Naturally, our initial inclination may be to focus on the potential risks and ethical dilemmas: Should we revive species for our own ecological benefits? Are we entitled to play God? These are challenging questions, and perhaps there is no right answer.

    However, with a more complete understanding, we could change our perceptions and relationships with nature. We all have different thresholds for accepting information and are capable of changing our minds as we gain more insights. Fortunately, there are many opportunities at the intersection of conservation and education in which students can significantly contribute.

    Educational initiatives powered by AI — interactive museum exhibitions, virtual reality learning experiences or immersive apps — hold the potential to bridge gaps between scientific endeavors and public understanding. If we use these tools to address skepticism and generate hopeful scenarios of “what could be” — restored ecosystems through de-extinction, livelihoods saved from climate change and other success stories — we could instill a sense of urgency and (potentially) shift mindsets toward widespread environmental protection. 

    Ultimately, aligning various perspectives will depend on our ability to innovate and adapt. So it’s up to us to harness AI for the greater good — driving colossal change and unity in our fight against climate change.

    https://www.dailycal.org/opinion/the_soapbox/ai-s-mammoth-role-in-dodo-ing-conservation/article_b62d9804-420b-11ef-a157-cb7f280d460d.html

  • Are we winning the climate battle?

    Check out my piece for the Daily Cal!

    In early March, a team of scientists rejected the motion to designate the start of a new geological epoch, coined under the term “Anthropocene” to highlight the epoch we are currently living in as one marked by humans’ profound impact on Earth. 

    This decision has sparked concern, especially in the ongoing discourse surrounding climate change. How do we characterize our current times as a geological epoch — marked by a warming planet, ocean acidification and species extinction — we find ourselves in? And more importantly, what roles can we, students, play in this pivotal conversation about our planet’s future?

    Epochs serve as the grand narratives that tell the story of our planet’s evolution. They delineate chapters of geological time, marking profound shifts in landscapes, climates and life itself. They also help us understand unique intervals of Earth’s history, and they are defined by significant changes in geological deposits, such as fossil or geochemical signals. 

    Academic infighting is nothing new, but the weighty term “Anthropocene,” or “Age of Humans,” carries profound implications. It suggests not just our presence but our dominance and capacity to shape the very fabric of the Earth. Leaving the Holocene, which represents the last 11,700 years of the Earth’s history, for the Anthropocene, marked by extensive human influence on the planet — which scientific evidence shows we have undoubtedly done — means we’ve set the planet on an entirely new trajectory compared to anything that has come before. 

    Some researchers argue for the starting point of this new epoch to be around 1950, coinciding with the rapid acceleration of industrialization and its resulting environmental impacts. Others propose earlier dates, tracing human influence back to the dawn of agriculture or the colonial era. Researchers who compose the Anthropocene Working Group have sought out compelling geological evidence from around the globe that would definitively mark the transition from the Holocene to the Anthropocene. 

    Their efforts led them to explore sites such as Crawford Lake in Ontario, Canada, where the sediment records unmistakably reflect the impacts of human activity — from nuclear fallout to fossil fuel emissions. However, for a new epoch to be officially designated, evidence for it must be globally synchronous: it must appear all over the Earth at the same time in the geological record. Determining the precise onset of the Anthropocene therefore remains highly contested.

    Nethertheless, we should not depend on formal designation to confirm that we have created — and are now living in — an environment that’s becoming increasingly unstable. The decision to reject the term “Anthropocene” highlights the inherent subjectivity involved in such a categorization, especially since geological time scales operate on vastly different ones than human history. The panel’s decision also highlights the political dimensions of defining geological epochs, as these classifications shape not only scientific discourse but also public understanding and societal responses to environmental challenges.

    Regardless of the official designation of the geological epoch, climate change and environmental degradation are real. The rejection of the Anthropocene does not negate the fact that our human activities have led to widespread ecological damage. From deforestation to increasing carbon emissions, our actions have far-reaching consequences on biodiversity, ecosystems and, ultimately, our own well-being. 

    We should therefore not interpret the rejection of the Anthropocene as a dismissal of our impact on the planet but rather as a reminder of the complexities involved in interpreting geological evidence and defining epochs. 

    For us students, who are the future custodians of the planet, this debate should serve as a call to action rather than a reason for complacency. Meaningful action starts with a shift in mindset and a recognition that we are not passive observers of the unfolding environmental crisis but rather active participants with the power to effect change. It’s about reimagining our relationship with the natural world and moving away from a paradigm of exploitation and domination toward one of harmony and reciprocity.

    We have a duty to lead, design and implement more sustainable initiatives. Whether it’s through grassroots activism, startups or academic research, we can leverage our skills and talents to make a tangible difference in the world. For instance, we could advocate for policy reforms that prioritize environmental protection and social justice, support sustainable practices and organizations and engage in meaningful dialogue with our peers and communities about this urgent need for change.

    Most importantly, meaningful action requires us to cultivate a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It starts with recognizing that while the challenges we face may seem insurmountable, human ingenuity and collective action know no bounds. It’s also about drawing inspiration from the countless individuals and communities around the world who are already leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.

    Whether or not we officially entered a new geological epoch, the rejection of the Anthropocene is not the end of the climate fight but rather its beginning. We should view it as an opportunity to redouble our efforts and push for bold, transformative change. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that the fate of our planet lies in our hands and that the time to act is now, more than ever.

    https://www.dailycal.org/opinion/the_soapbox/rejecting-the-anthropocene-are-we-winning-the-climate-battle/article_5434b850-29ef-11ef-9766-f3d5f4f2099a.html

  • Divest to invest

    Check out my piece for the Daily Cal!

    In January 2024, for the first time ever recorded, global warming exceeded the 1.5°C climate benchmark.

    Many of us have already heard about the big “1.5°C”  global temperature limit set by the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, which was a climate pledge made by 195 nations. The goal of setting the 1.5°C limit was to prevent serious, irreversible consequences for climate change. 

    Over the last two decades, communities across the globe have been increasingly subject to the consequences of rising global warming, from intense heat in California to recent tropical storms in Malawi that have sparked a cholera outbreak, impacting thousands due to compromised water quality. Now that we’ve breached the 1.5°C threshold, it is likely that climate change effects will only heighten in the years to come if swift action to divest from fossil fuels is not taken immediately.

    College students are in a unique position to catalyze that transformative environmental change. At UC Berkeley, students are in a unique position to do so as a result of our proximity to the technology industry and the Bay Area’s rich history of activism. While we may not yet have a seat at the negotiation table, our voices have significant power to shape public discourse and influence policy changes. 

    The urgency of the current situation cannot be overstated. At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in November, representatives from nearly 200 nations gathered, raising concerns over the lack of progress in meeting the ambitious targets set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Despite setting net-zero targets, which are initiatives to balance the amount of greenhouse gas taken out of the atmosphere to the amount emitted, to cover close to 90% of global emissions, our collective emission is still on the rise. Globally, the top 10% of emitters contribute to almost half of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, whereas the bottom 10% contributes to 0.2%. The United States alone was responsible for 5.06 billion tons of CO2 emissions in 2022, contributing to 13.61% of global CO2 emissions that year. The disproportionate contribution of wealthier nations to the climate crisis exacerbates the challenges faced by developing nations, especially small islands that are disproportionately affected. This gap between ambition and action underscores the urgent need for global collaboration.

    In the United States, student activism — especially among college students — has already been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for climate action. Student activism in the United States has long been prevalent at UC Berkeley since the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s started on campus and has gone on to impact the proliferation of college activism to this day. Today, college students across the country (and the world at large) have gained traction for relentlessly urging universities to divest from the fossil fuel industry, holding their institutions accountable.

    In May 2020, after years of student protests, the UC system, with more than 280 000 students, announced a $1-billion divestment from fossil fuels. This money is said to be redirected toward clean energy initiatives, such as replacing 20% of fossil gas with zero-carbon biomethane by 2025, making the UC system the largest university coalition to take such a significant step. Several other institutions, such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford, have also divested from fossil fuels.  

    However, these institutions have not yet committed to a full divestment from the fossil field industry, so there is more work that needs to be done.

    At UC Berkeley, students have a unique opportunity to harness the Bay Area’s innovation ecosystem and proximity to the tech industry to influence the global community and create tangible change. For instance, we could design a startup using the latest technologies and support from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund to actively prioritize climate action. Alternatively, we could perhaps even create our own divestment organization inspired by clubs at other schools such as Yale and Harvard to encourage the UC system to fully cease investments in companies whose practices harm the environment. 

    UC Berkeley Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and student organizations such as The California Public Interest Research Group are already educating and empowering Berkeley students to take climate action. We should also prioritize working in coalition with initiatives such as the Green New Deal movement launched by UC San Diego, which unites students across UC campuses, alumni and faculty to advocate for transparency and a commitment from their universities. 

    Globally, the most effective way to reduce emissions involves changes to food, transport and energy systems. On a local scale, it requires collaborative efforts within our communities to implement targeted, innovative actions, such as those that can be done within our campus community.

    Moving forward, we must align actions with our common UC Berkeley values to inspire others and start a ripple effect of positive impact. Ultimately, our fight against climate change transcends mere policy discussions; it represents a global movement with students positioned at the forefront, ready to lead the charge.

    https://www.dailycal.org/opinion/the_soapbox/uc-berkeley-should-divest-in-fossil-fuels-to-invest-in-environmental-future/article_657fde56-d6a6-11ee-b3e9-9f4ce6a7be77.html