Big Data and Theory-based Simulation

Project Description

The buzzword “big data” is associated with the extraction of value from large volumes of partly unstructured data based on automated procedures. In this philosophy of science project, we examine to what extent big data is able to live up to this promise by contrasting and combining classical tools from climate science and big data techniques.

We explicitly include big data procedures into climate models and climate impact models. Furthermore, we assess scientific questions using non-scientific data. The results from these work packages are reflected based on conceptual frameworks that we develop. This allows to assess the epistemological implications of big data on scientific measurements, predictions, explanations, and understanding within the climate sciences. Furthermore, we intend to assess certain aspects of our results that can be transferred beyond climate research.

Project Partners

This project is funded by the external page Swiss National Science Foundation SNF under the external page NRP75 “Big Data”. The following groups and people are involved in the project:

From the Weather and Climate Risks Group:

• Prof. Dr. David N. Bresch
• Benedikt Knüsel  
  
• Marius Wälchli

From the Climate Physics Group:

• Prof. Dr. Reto Knutti  
  
• Dr. Erich Fischer 
  

From the Environmental Philosophy Group:

• Prof. Dr. Gertrude Hirsch Hadorn  
• Dr. Christoph Baumberger