Society

Under the leadership of Empa scientist Mashael Yazdanie, an international research team is investigating ways to better plan for climate-resilient energy systems in the Global South. Focusing on the case study of Accra, the capital of Ghana, the multidisciplinary team expanded conventional energy system modeling approaches by incorporating a range of socio-techno-economic challenges, climate change impacts, and resilience metrics into their models. Their approaches are applicable worldwide to support widespread sustainable and resilient energy system transitions.

A new study by the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) shows how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to reduce the impact of climate change on Switzerland. The experts involved have high hopes for satellite-based earth observations and AI models. According to Empa researcher Gerrit Kuhlmann, one of the co-authors of the study, these could quickly identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

EPFL scientists have discovered that in indoor spaces, droplets containing the flu virus will remain infectious for longer when they also contain certain types of bacteria found in our respiratory tract. This finding provides important insight into how respiratory infections are transmitted and can enhance estimates of exposure risk.