Stephanie O'Donnell
- @StephODonnell
- | She / Her
WILDLABS
Abstract
The global ecosystem is facing an unprecedented crisis - the sixth mass extinction event. The accelerating loss of biodiversity is a significant concern, impacting not only the natural world but also human society. Amid this crisis, there lies an exceptional opportunity to restore and protect nature. As businesses are more dependent on nature than previously thought, with approximately $44 trillion of economic value generation moderately or highly dependent on nature, according to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF report) - new technologies and tools are needed to accelerate biodiversity modelling and monitoring. By using environmental DNA (eDNA) and geospatial data, we can detect and track species through genetic traces in the environment. eDNA offers a non-invasive and cost-effective means of monitoring biodiversity on a vast scale. By integrating these datasets with geospatial datasets, we can create comprehensive, real-time snapshots of ecosystems, allowing for informed decision-making and targeted conservation efforts and facilitating business and governments to achieve restoration targets.
- https://www.weforum.org/press/2020/01/half-of-world-s-gdp-moderately-or-highly-dependent-on-nature-says-new-report/
- https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/sustainability/our-insights/nature-in-the-balance-what-companies-can-do-to-restore-natural-capital
Speaker
Dr. Jimenez Martinez (she/her) is a leader at the intersection of science, technology, and sustainability solutions for businesses transitioning to Net Zero and achieving Biodiversity Net Gain. With extensive experience in computational modelling of complex systems, including a PhD and 15 years in an academic career in Astrophysics, Data Science, Applied AI for business consultancy, and practice building.
In her current role as the Head of Machine Learning and Insights at Nature Metrics, she leads a team focused on innovating biodiversity monitoring using eDNA and AI.
Her mission is to simplify the processes of monitoring and safeguarding our natural world, making them accessible to businesses and governmental institutions.
Previously, as a Sustainability Specialist at Microsoft, she specialized in developing technology strategies to reduce CO2 emissions, water usage, waste, restore ecosystems, and optimize value chains for businesses and cities.
She is a member of the WEF Task Force for Embodied Carbon Assessment, an active participant in the Climate Justice movement, and an advocate for the Global South’s perspective.
Among other publications is 'Data: a guide to Humans' (Unbound, 2020), co-authored with P. Harvey, explores the use of Data and AI for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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