Climateprediction.net is a distributed computing project to produce predictions of the Earth’s climate up to 2100 and to test the accuracy of climate models. To do this, we need people around the world to give us time on their computers – time when they have their computers switched on, but are not using them to their full capacity.
Image via Wikipedia
The models start in 1920 and work forwards to 2080, which means the simulations are given a serious reality check. You won’t see any storm-causing butterflies in the screensaver, though. The strategy is explained in detail, although most people will stick to the basics, which hurt the brainz less while getting the general idea across.
The project being UK-based, there is plenty of online information, with news of live presentations and so on. A special project on the effects of global warming in the UK was run in association with the BBC: the very worrying results can be viewed here.
In the meantime: how to help, if not prevent, at least reduce the risks of global warming?
- Switch lights off when leaving a room
- Use low-energy bulbs
- Reuse plastic bags whenever possible and avoid buying anything with too much packaging
- Turn the central heating down in winter (just 1°C makes a huge difference)
- Use the car less: walk, bicycle, or use public transport whenever possible
- Drive more slowly, avoiding brusque acceleration/braking (you’ll have fewer carsick passengers too)
- Don’t leave computers, TVs, radios etc on when not being used and unplug chargers for things like cellphones and laptop computers when the device isn’t on charge
- Encourage others to do the same
Not only will you feel a warm glow of smug righteousness pervade your very soul, you’ll also save money and be fitter, leaner and more attractive to your sex of predilection.
Please note: the minimum system requirements for running the project client are quite high, as there are a lot of numbers to be crunched. Make sure your computer has the necessary capacity. Even with this, the modules will take a long time to work through: you’re given up to a year. Even if this can be twice as long as needed, it’s still pretty long. Fortunately there are interim reports (trickle-ups) sent at regular intervals, so if a module crashes on you (it happens), you’ll be credited for most of the work done.
Climateprediction.net (a BOINC project)
