Transforming Climate Resilience: AI and Digital Twin Technology in Canadian Cities
As climate change intensifies, the implications for municipal infrastructure are becoming critically evident. Catastrophic events like the 2013 Calgary flood and the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for cities to bolster their resilience against extreme weather. Two researchers from McMaster University’s engineering department, Moustafa Naiem Abdel-Mooty and Wael El-Dakhakhni, are leading the way in developing innovative solutions using artificial intelligence and digital twin technology that could save Canadian cities millions while enhancing climate preparedness.
The Challenge of Climate Change
According to Moustafa Naiem Abdel-Mooty, who specializes in civil engineering and holds a postdoctoral fellowship at Western University, the financial and operational ramifications of climate change are already impacting municipalities. “The financial fallout from events like the Calgary flood was staggering, with damages estimated at up to $6 billion,” he notes. As municipalities increasingly face similar scenarios, it is clear that proactive measures are necessary for safeguarding infrastructure and resources.
Pioneering Research in Digital Twin Technology
In an effort to enhance climate adaptation, Naiem’s research led him to explore machine learning’s potential in predicting how climate change will affect municipal infrastructure. Through this work, he discovered the transformative capabilities of digital twin technology. By creating a real-time virtual model of a city that continuously updates based on real-world data, the researchers can forecast how physical urban systems will respond to projected climate variables.
Naiem expanded his insights while serving as a visiting research scholar at Cambridge University in 2022, where he gained exposure to the cutting-edge applications of digital twin technology in civil engineering. “I observed a significant divide between academic research and industry practices in climate adaptation,” he explains, highlighting the more advanced initiatives undertaken by countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, where government policies mandate the use of these technologies.
Resilio Climate Solutions: A Step Forward
To bridge this gap in Canada, Naiem, along with his former PhD advisor El-Dakhakhni and postdoctoral fellows Maysara Ghaith and Ahmed Yosri, established a company called Resilio Climate Solutions. Their mission is to equip Canadian cities with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about climate resilience.
Using digital twin technology, Resilio can execute “what-if” scenarios that simulate response strategies to extreme weather events. This predictive capability allows cities to make evidence-based decisions, such as whether to construct levees or improve flood-proofing measures—a crucial consideration in light of past floods like those experienced in Calgary.
A Case Study in Mitigation
Resilio virtually revisited the Calgary flood scenario, creating a case study from before the 2013 event. Remarkably, the team was able to predict the flood with 85 percent accuracy, identifying actionable measures that could have substantially reduced both the physical and financial damage incurred.
“Our digital twin tool is a game-changer,” asserts El-Dakhakhni. “It enables government and business leaders to optimize their spending on adaptation measures while educating community stakeholders about potential impacts from future climate extremes.” His vision underscores the necessity for comprehensive frameworks to tackle the looming threats posed by climate change.
Urgency in Action: What’s Next?
Despite increasing conversations surrounding climate resilience, Naiem emphasizes the prevailing uncertainty around actionable steps for municipalities. “Everyone is discussing climate change and resilience, but very few are addressing pressing questions like, ‘What shall we do now?’” he comments. With the realities of climate change already infiltrating cities, accumulating evidence only builds the case for integrating strategic climate actions in urban planning.
Naiem is passionate about demonstrating the value of digital twin technology to municipal governments across Canada. “We’ve already seen how extreme weather can disrupt entire cities. We’re beyond the point of stopping climate change, but we can still lessen its impact,” he asserts.
Balancing Priorities in Climate Resilience
For resilience strategies to succeed, there must be a balanced investment in both mitigation — reducing carbon emissions — and adaptation strategies that prepare cities for existing climate threats. Naiem warns that the drive towards net-zero emissions should not overshadow essential funding for infrastructure capable of withstanding current climate challenges. “There’s a cost to doing something, but what is the cost of doing nothing?” he challenges.
Conclusion
As cities grapple with the growing impacts of climate change, embracing innovative technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twin models offers a pathway to enhanced climate resilience. With the leadership of researchers like Naiem and El-Dakhakhni, Canadian municipalities have an opportunity to revolutionize their approach to climate adaptation, ensuring they are not just reacting to crises but proactively mitigating their effects for a sustainable future. The emphasis on data-driven strategies and community engagement will be pivotal as Canadian cities navigate the complex landscape of climate change resilience.
