{"id":123463,"date":"2022-03-31T20:47:03","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T20:47:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.microsoft.com\/?p=445930"},"modified":"2022-03-31T20:47:03","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T20:47:03","slug":"microsoft-helps-the-public-sector-use-tech-to-meet-sustainability-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2022\/03\/31\/microsoft-helps-the-public-sector-use-tech-to-meet-sustainability-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft helps the public sector use tech to meet sustainability goals"},"content":{"rendered":"
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One of today\u2019s greatest global challenges is the impact of climate change, which is causing an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, fires, hurricanes, and droughts. In light of these threats to vulnerable communities worldwide, public sector organizations play a vital role in protecting lives and livelihoods, and mitigating the impact of climate change on people, communities, and the planet. Learn how to create a better future by harnessing the power of new and emerging technologies by watching the webinar, \u201cImplementing Sustainability Strategies in Government<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

We in the tech industry are partnering with public sector organizations on that journey, which is why Microsoft made a commitment to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, all while harnessing the power of digital technology to help other organizations meet their sustainability targets. Our focus on this \u2018twin transition\u2019 of a greener world driven by green technologies has led to milestones such as the launch of the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability<\/a> last October, which helps a variety of industries to better record, report, and reduce carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

Microsoft as a trusted partner<\/h2>\n

The road ahead for environmental sustainability relies on strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, non-profits, start-ups, and researchers. We continue to see the amazing ways these partnerships and digital technology are making the public sector prepared and resilient in the face of tomorrow\u2019s challenges.<\/p>\n

Our work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers is one example of the power of cloud, data, and AI to improve climate modeling and build preparedness for the impact of extreme weather on coastal communities. By enhancing storm modeling with the cloud<\/a>, we are helping the United States government protect the lives and property of the most vulnerable communities around the country.<\/p>\n

The power of digital is also in the way it enables data-informed policymaking. As part of our AI for Earth<\/a> initiative, we are working with non-profits and the governments of Thailand and Costa Rica to help them stop illegal fishing<\/a>. Cloud and AI algorithms are enabling those governments to monitor ship movements and protect fishing stocks, mitigating one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems.<\/p>\n

Finally, we are supporting public sector organizations around the globe as they break down barriers to meet their environmental targets. The city of Gand\u00eda, Spain, for example, is using connected streetlights<\/a> through the cloud that report energy consumption, which annually helps to lower energy consumption by 66 percent, improve citywide lighting, and cut over 2,700 tons of carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

Microsoft\u2019s road to net zero<\/h2>\n

These results are just a few of the many successes being driven worldwide by a shared commitment to sustainability. This month, we reported on our progress in 2021<\/a> and the work still to be done on the road to net zero. Over the past two fiscal years, Microsoft has allocated $571 million to accelerate our carbon, water, and waste goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The impact has been incredible and so far, we have:<\/p>\n