Extreme E’s positive impacts in Sardinia

It might be a wrap on the racing in Sardinia, but the Enel X Island X Prix offered far more than just a motorsport contest, with its drivers, scientists and partners all taking centre stage when it comes to the climate crisis, sustainability and possible solutions.

Ahead of the course action, drivers had the chance to get involved in two Legacy Programmes, supported by Enel X. Some of the drivers took to the water, snorkelling in Laguna di Norato area, to learn more about healthy and unhealthy Posidonia oceanica, (seagrass) – the most important ecosystem in the Mediterranean which has already lost 30-40 per cent. The drivers were able to see how it is being restored and conserved by local organisation MEDSEA with the support of Extreme E.

XITE ENERGY RACING’s Christine GZ and Extreme E’s Championship Driver Tamara Molinaro also went to the Oristano region of Sardinia, which has been affected by the recent wildfires, to support with tree planting. During July 2021 there were 13,000 more wildfires in Italy than has ever been previously recorded. The resulting calamity has resulted in incalculable damage to thousands of peoples’ livelihoods, as well as to nature including damaging water quality in the ocean. It is estimated that it will take at least 15 years to rebuild the 20,000 hectares of land impacted.

Over the race weekend, Sardinia became the next local authority to start using an innovative wildfire mapping model created by EY, Extreme E’s Official Innovation Partner. The AI technology was created as part of this year’s EY Better Working World Data Challenge in collaboration with Microsoft, The Australian Country Fire Authority (CFA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Currently, fire mapping officers receive imagery from aircrafts and use manual methods to create fire maps. The goal of the winning AI solutions is to streamline this process so officers can spend valuable time on other essential tasks. For example, where decisions are being made to prioritise regions that need to be evacuated, the winning solutions will aim to provide the right information at the right time to help make those decisions more easily and effectively.

EY teams are already working with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Australia, where wildfires last year resulted in 34 fatalities and the destruction of 46 million acres, to take the winning submissions into a real-world environment. Looking ahead, the fire mapping tools will be made available, free of charge, to more governments and non-commercial organisations.

Beatriz Sanz Sáiz, EY Global Consulting Data and Analytics Leader, said: “This is an incredibly proud moment, as EY releases the winning models of the 2021 Better Working World Data Challenge into the world, and a prime example of how technology can help solve some of the world’s toughest sustainability challenges. Making these models available free of charge to governments and non-commercial organisations around the globe is one more step towards realising our commitment to build a better working world and create long-term value for society and the communities we serve.”

A series of thought leadership talked called The Tipping Point are now a firm fixture in the schedule. One of the talks, hosted by Professor Carlos Duarte, who sits on the series’ Scientific Committee, concentrated on the climate challenges facing island communities. Here, media and guests heard from drivers Carlos Sainz and Christine GZ alongside Carlo Papa, Managing Director of Extreme E’s Founding Scientific Partner Enel Foundation.

Discussion points included how islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to sea level rise, the temperature of the Mediterranean in particular heating three times faster than the global average, the lack of projection of the effects of climate change on island communities, the challenges of electrifying island communities who are not always attached to the main grid, plus the threats of medicanes that are forecasted to become stronger and more destructive.

Carlo Papa, Managing Director, Enel Foundation said: “The Sixth IPCC Assessment Report has said climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying. In the words of UN Secretary General we are on red alert. After having understood the physical science basis of climate change hazards, we need to understand exposure and vulnerability, for example, of how a storm will impact a port and the people living and working in the area. Going forward, adaptation will be key  and the good news is that  we have the technologies and knowledge  to get prepared while making sure to act faster and more decisively on mitigation.”

Carlos Sainz has more talents than racing. A keen scuba diver and also a helicopter pilot, he has been able to observe the changes in his communities over the last 50 years. He said: “When I joined Extreme E my interest in climate change was moderate, but since becoming involved in the series my awareness has grown and I’m now very interested in climate change, particularly noticing sea level rise.”

Christine GZ, who has grown up within island communities and has an Engineering degree, spoke about the resilience and attitude of islanders. She said: “The recent volcano eruption in La Palma has meant many people have lost homes and livelihoods, but the islanders look to rebuild – they have crazy strength! The island attitude is to not give up, if things have been destroyed we carry on. In La Palma they are adding new soil to stop the lava flow and rebuild.

“Motorsport is not traditionally sustainable but Extreme E is changing the conversation. The Legacy Programmes, seeing the wildfires this week and the Count Us In Challenge have really made me open my eyes to climate challenges.”

Professor Carlos Duarte concludes: “Extreme E gives scientists a voice, through the power and reach of the series with its drivers and many partners involved. The best thing we can all do is raise awareness by talking to people about the facts and showcasing how technology can help. The power of communication is key if we want to keep the beauty of the planet.”

The series is now looking ahead to COP26, a summit bringing together world leaders and businesses to accelerate action towards climate change, before the season finale in Dorset, UK, from 18-19 December.