The MScSUS at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center

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On November 22nd, students from the Master’s program in Sustainability Management, jointly offered by the UPF-BSM and ESCI-UPF, engaged in a hands-on educational experience through the course “Climate Change: Science, Emergency, and Policy Frameworks.”

They visited the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) to gain deeper insights into the science of climate modelling and climate predictions. The visit aimed to broaden their understanding of the technical processes underlying climate dynamics and the creation of practical climate solutions.

Climate modelling is a cornerstone of efforts to comprehend and address the challenges of a shifting climate. By replicating the Earth’s climate system, researchers can anticipate future scenarios, guiding key decisions to support sustainable growth. Reliable predictions are essential for navigating the impacts of rising global temperatures, intensified weather patterns, and coastal flooding.

The development of targeted climate solutions based on these models is critical to reducing risks for at-risk populations, agricultural systems, and critical infrastructure. These tools empower decision-makers in governments, industries, and communities to prepare for emergencies and plan for the future.

As the effects of climate change intensify, advancing sophisticated models, improving prediction accuracy, and crafting adaptive solutions are indispensable for building resilience and safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems and societies.

The students were hosted by Eneko Martin, Alba Santos, and Dr Dragana Bojovic from BSC.

Eneko Martin investigates the processes governing deep water formation in the North Atlantic and its role in influencing global ocean circulation patterns. Alba Santos’ research focuses on how anthropogenic emissions other than greenhouse gases impact climate systems.

Their presentation highlighted the intricacies of Earth system modelling, a critical tool for linking observed changes to specific drivers. This approach has enabled climate researchers to demonstrate that the recent decades of global warming are a direct consequence of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Martin emphasized the pivotal role of climate models in deciphering and forecasting future climate risks. He also underscored how ongoing advancements in these models enhance their precision, enabling more reliable predictions and long-term projections.

Dr Bojovic’s lecture focused on the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration and co-creating knowledge to advance climate change adaptation strategies, highlighting their essential role in developing impactful climate services. The session went beyond theory, showcasing practical applications in sectors such as agriculture and energy. Examples of specialised climate services were also presented, including those tailored for Finland’s Arctic region and localized solutions for Malawi and Tanzania.

Students had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology during a visit to MareNostrum, Spain’s flagship supercomputer housed at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC). This visit offered a unique insight into the advanced computational tools driving modern scientific innovation.

We deeply appreciate the generosity of our hosts, whose expertise and insights significantly enriched the students’ understanding and experience.