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Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in a section of physics called quantum mechanics, where scientists study the properties of protons, neutrons, and electrons and find predicted positions using statistics and probability. In this process of entanglement, two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle instantaneously influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them, and faster than the speed of light. This correlation exists even between universal distances separating the particles, in which Einstein coined the term “spooky action at a distance.”
While the direct impact of quantum entanglement on the environment may not be immediately apparent, ongoing research in quantum technology and its applications could lead to significant advancements in environmental science, monitoring, conservation efforts, and the future of protecting the earth from humans. In the context of climate science, there are many uses for harnessing the power of particles with quantum properties where two particles seem to trade information seemingly faster than the speed of light.
Quantum computers, which harness the principles of quantum mechanics, including entanglement, can potentially revolutionize environmental modeling and simulation. One of the most significant issues in science is the “big data problem”: we have so much data that we need more computers and people to process this information. One of the ways that we do this is through quantum computing. Quantum computing uses these unique subatomic properties to have considerable processing power for vast data and analysis or simulation in a shorter time.
Quantum entanglement can be utilized to develop sensors that can be helpful in ecological monitoring. For example, entangled particles could detect minor changes in the atmosphere’s environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, or chemical composition. This could lead to pollution detection, climate monitoring, and ecosystem analysis advancements.
Quantum entanglement plays an important role in quantum cryptography, which explores secure communication using quantum principles and the ability for particles to be in many positions at once, harnessing more computing capabilities. By encoding information in entangled particles, quantum communication systems can offer unmatched security for transmitting sensitive environmental data from around the world, such as satellite observations or climate measurements, without the risk of interception or hacking.
©2024 ClimateLit (Angelina Gallego)
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Climate Lit is an initiative of the Center for Climate Literacy at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development.