Digital Twins
Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems, designed to simulate, monitor, and predict real-world processes with high precision. Using real-time data and advanced modelling, digital twins help us better understand and manage complex systems like climate, ecosystems, and urban environments. The European Union’s Destination Earth (DestinE) initiative is at the forefront of digital twin development, aiming to create digital models of our planet to address global challenges. By enabling detailed simulations, digital twins can forecast changes, assess risks, and optimize decision-making, making them invaluable for climate resilience and environmental management.
Mediterranean Digital Twin (MDT) – Our approach
As part of the MeDiTwin project, the Mediterranean Digital Twin (MDT) is being developed to tackle the unique environmental challenges faced by the Mediterranean region, particularly around climate extremes. Led by ECMWF, the MDT will provide a powerful simulation platform to model and predict events like droughts, wildfires, and floods. The MDT’s first phase includes building a prototype system that integrates historical Earth Observation (EO) archives, real-time meteorological data from ECMWF, and satellite data from Copernicus. This data will be organized into Earth System Data Cubes, creating an Analysis-Ready Format for streamlined analysis. Combining both physical and data-driven models, the MDT aims to support proactive planning and improve climate resilience across the Mediterranean region.