Written by: Ishan Ingolikar, Aditya Garladinne, Ayushmaan Khurana and Pragyan Pratyush

On 26th of August, students from five GIIS campuses - Ahmedabad, Kuala Lumpur, Noida, Singapore, and Surat, participated in the virtually conducted Global Student Exchange Programme on the topic, “Data Is the New Oil - How can we use data to reduce our impact on the environment?” The best ideas and presentations received awards and GIIS SMART Campus stood at the first position.

The points discussed by the team comprising Grade 11 students, Ishan Ingolikar, Aditya Garladinne, Ayushmaan Khurana and Pragyan Pratyush included The Doughnut theory, Big Data, Climate Change etc.  The team analysed the role of data in preventing environmental crisis and optimum utilization of resources. 

The team took the help of Doughnut theory by Kate Raworth to justify the point that civilisations must take steps to promote sustainability and ensure that no one falls short on life’s essentials (from food and housing to healthcare and political voice) while ensuring that collectively we do not overshoot our pressure on Earth’s life-supporting systems – such as a stable climate, fertile soil, and ozone layer.

The team members emphasised that collection and analysis of data help in raising awareness and overcoming issues related to sustainability. They emphasised the role of Big Data in risk management by quoting examples of Aqueduct, a company that maps the water threat around the world including water stress, risk of flood and water pollution and the governments of various countries that rely on data sensors to monitor emissions from factories and then devise control mechanism.

It was an educating experience for all the teams to research, brainstorm and present on the relevant topic of Big Data. Thanks to our school management for organising such enriching Exchange Programmes where we learn beyond the classroom.