Meta’s Project Waterworth aims to build a 50,000 km submarine cable for better connectivity across continents. Recent technologies like SMART and OFS cables can also aid environmental monitoring and protect critical infrastructure. Despite potential benefits, slow adoption is hindered by outdated regulations, unclear business models, and security concerns. Countries like Portugal demonstrate that investing in these cables can support climate data collection and disaster preparedness.
Submarine cables play a crucial role in global communication; recently, Meta announced its initiative, Project Waterworth, which involves constructing a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable linking five continents to enhance connectivity in countries like the U.S., India, and Brazil. Currently, there are approximately 1.4 million kilometers of these cables worldwide, which transmit data at speeds reaching 300 terabits per second.
Beyond telecommunications, a new generation of cables, known as SMART cables, is being developed to aid in environmental monitoring. This initiative, supported by international organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union, includes sensors to collect vital oceanographic data, such as seismic activity and temperature changes, crucial for improving early-warning systems for natural disasters.
OFS (Optical Fibre Sensing) cables also provide infrastructural protection by detecting vibrations along the cable, which is essential for identifying disruptions related to fishing or shipping activities. Countries, including France and Portugal, are investing in these technologies, with the European Commission backing various SMART projects as part of larger infrastructural strategies.
However, the industry faces challenges in adopting sensing cables widely due to outdated regulations, unclear business models that complicate funding, and potential security risks related to data collection. Since their introduction in 2010, only two SMART projects are currently in development, reflecting the significant barriers that prevent rapid implementation.
One critical aspect for the advancement of these technologies is the need for enhanced data gathering in the oceans, which is crucial for addressing risks in various sectors like shipping and fisheries. Improving regulations could facilitate better integration of sensing technologies while enabling initiatives like Project Waterworth to incorporate sensor deployment effectively.
Portugal serves as an exemplary model for implementing SMART cables within the constraints of existing regulations, demonstrating the importance of investing in infrastructure that benefits the public good. While sensing technologies alone may not solve climate challenges, they represent a significant step towards understanding oceanic dynamics, crucial in the fight against climate change and its impacts.
In conclusion, submarine cables are vital not only for global communication but also for monitoring climate change. The investment in SMART and OFS cables presents an opportunity to enhance environmental data collection and improve disaster preparedness. By addressing regulatory and financial challenges, countries can leverage these technologies for better scientific insights, ultimately aiding in climate resilience efforts.
Original Source: eveningreport.nz
