Data Visualization

Blog of the Data Visualization & Communication Course at OSB-AUB

This is my favorite part about analytics: Taking boring flat data and bringing it to life through visualization” John Tukey

Solar PV Panels (generation and price)

Solar PV Panels (generation and price)


The demand for solar energy began to gain significant traction in the late 20th century. However, the concept of harnessing solar power has been explored for much longer. The oil crisis in 1973 is considered one of the main factor towards alternative energy sources
The oil crisis of 1973 and the growing environmental movement in the 1970s led to increased interest in alternative energy sources, including solar power. The United States and several other countries began investing in research and development of solar technologies.
In the 1990s and 2000s Improvements in solar cell efficiency and declining costs helped make solar energy more economically viable.
Since the 2010s, the demand for solar energy has continued to increase as solar installations have become more affordable, efficient, and accessible. Public and private investments, along with supportive government policies, have contributed to the growth of the solar industry globally.
The below Tableau can shows the generation of power from Solar panels went from below 1 TWH per year before the year 2001, and went up to 1289 TWH in year 2022 .
In the same time, the cost of 115$/Watt generated in 1975 up to 0.3$/Watt generated in 2021.
As the cost of solar power generation decreased over time, it became more economically viable and attractive to individuals, businesses, and governments. The decreasing costs can be attributed to several factors:
1. Technological advancements: Advances in solar cell technology, manufacturing processes, and materials have contributed to increased efficiency and reduced production costs. Improvements in manufacturing techniques and economies of scale have made solar panels more affordable to produce and install.
2. Research and development: Investments in research and development have led to innovations and breakthroughs in solar energy technologies. This has resulted in higher conversion efficiencies, improved durability, and decreased material costs.
3. Market competition: The growing demand for solar energy and the increasing number of companies entering the market have intensified competition. This competition has driven down prices as companies strive to offer more cost-effective solutions to attract customers.
4. Government policies and incentives: Supportive government policies, such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and subsidies, have encouraged the adoption of solar energy. These incentives help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels, making them more financially viable for consumers and businesses.

The decrease in the cost of solar power had a profound impact on the solar industry. It has led to a massive spread of solar panels globally, with installations becoming more widespread across residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. As a result, solar energy has become a significant player in the global energy mix, contributing to the transition towards renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Accessibility to Electricity and Its resources

Accessibility to Electricity and Its resources

Despite being a basic necessity of existence, many people around the world still consider access to electricity to be a luxury. According to our data, 32 countries populations have very low power accessibility (below 50%).
They are primarily in Africa. As seen in our visualization
People’s lives are significantly impacted by the absence of access to electricity, which can range from hindering economic progress to limiting access to healthcare and education. The issue of lack of access to energy will be covered along with possible remedies in this article.
The struggles experienced by individuals without access to power are exemplified by the narrative of Fatumata, a mother of four who lives in a rural community in the DR of Congo. The only sources of lighting for Fatumata’s family are kerosene lamps and candles; they lack access to refrigerators or other contemporary conveniences. In order to purchase food and other necessities, people must travel a great distance, which is not only time-consuming but also costly.
The tale of Fatumata is not original. For cooking and heating, millions of people still rely on antiquated and ineffective energy sources like kerosene lamps and wood. These sources not only endanger the environment but also put people’s and their families’ health at risk.
Many options can be thought of in order to solve this problem. Investing in alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower is one solution. These energy sources can be put in remote locations and are clean and sustainable. To promote the use of renewable energy, governments and international organizations might offer subsidies and incentives.
Building mini-grids, which are compact power delivery systems capable of serving a neighborhood or a collection of residences, is another option. These grids can supply dependable and reasonably priced electricity to underserved populations and can be supplied by renewable energy sources. To create and manage mini-grids, local communities can work with governments and organizations.
Last but not least, community education and awareness efforts are required to enlighten people about the advantages of clean energy and the risks associated with conventional energy sources. Governments and organizations can work with neighborhood groups to offer instruction and training on how to operate and maintain clean energy systems.
In conclusion, the absence of electricity is a serious problem that has an impact on the lives of millions of people around the world. However, there are ways to deal with this problem and give everyone access to clean, inexpensive, and sustainable energy, including making investments in renewable energy, setting up mini-grids, and running education and awareness campaigns. We can provide everyone in this world a better future by making investments in sustainable energy.

Water Stress in Lebanon – A Looming Crisis and a Sustainable Solution

Water Stress in Lebanon – A Looming Crisis and a Sustainable Solution

Around 70% of Lebanese People are at risk of losing access to drinking water. The reason is “Water Stress”.

Water Stress levels Worldwide versus Lebanon

Water stress, defined as the imbalance between water demand and the available water, is a global issue that threatens ecosystems and human well-being. As population growth, climate change, and unsustainable water management practices continue to feed this problem, it is crucial to explore effective solutions.

Looking at the past two decades data, we notice that there is a global increasing trend in the level of water stress. In Lebanon, the water stress situation is reaching critical levels. As shown in the below visual, the trend is significantly increasing on the long term, with negligible improvement since year 2015. The demand for water is continually increasing, while available sources are becoming increasingly strained.

In Lebanon nowadays, 1.7 million people have access to only 35 liters a day (80% decrease vs national average). There is a lack of maintenance, inability to store water with old infrastructure and water networks. In addition, there is a drop in groundwater level and pollution of the resources.

A Solution to Alleviating Water Stress

One solution lies in improving water productivity, which focuses on maximizing efficiency in water usage.
This can be done through the adoption of water-efficient practices like replacing high water consuming crops with lower-consuming ones, adopting management and systems improvements, reducing the unusable water losses by conserving it for other uses.

By implementing integrated water resource management strategies, we can optimize water usage and secure a sustainable water future.
Countries have started to implement water productivity practices. However, the declining trend in water productivity levels in Lebanon indicates a relative lack of efforts compared to the global context.

A Glimmer of Hope – when examining the relationship between “Water Stress” and “Water Productivity”

The good news is here!

It is evident that there exists a connection between water stress levels and water productivity. As depicted in the below visual, there is a milder escalation in water stress as productivity rises. (The coefficient of the productivity trendline is 1.8, whereas the coefficient of the water stress trendline is 0.3.)

How is Lebanon doing currently in terms of the proposed solution

The map below shows that Lebanon is from the countries that are doing less efforts. Unlike other countries, there is a decline in water productivity which will keep increasing the water stress levels.

Recommendations

It is highly recommended that Lebanon embraces the principles of improving water productivity. Those are like Educating stakeholders (people at home, farmers, etc..) about water-efficient practices, improving water Storage, recycling and reusing water in public operations. By adopting water management practices like those, we can ensure a more resilient and water-secure future in Lebanon for generations to come.

In conclusion, “Water Stress” poses a significant challenge to the sustainability and well-being of both ecosystems and human societies. However, by prioritizing and improving “Water Productivity”, we can take significant strides towards alleviating this stress.

References:
UNICEF-supported assessment based on data collected by Lebanon’s four main public water utility companies in 2021
(PDF) Basic Concepts of Water Productivity (researchgate.net)

How Education Can Save Lives on the Road

How Education Can Save Lives on the Road

Africa is a land of vibrant cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and remarkable wildlife. A land with endless variety that also faces countless difficulties.

If I were to inquire about the primary cause of mortality among young people in Africa, one might naturally assume it to be linked to issues such as armed conflicts or prevalent diseases. However, surprisingly, the statistics present a different reality that demands immediate attention. Contrary to assumptions, the urgent concern lies elsewhere: traffic-related incidents.

Given the perception that Africa has relatively lower traffic volume and fewer vehicles in comparison to other regions, it might be presumed that traffic accidents are not a significant cause for alarm.

However, According to the World Health Organization1, road accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 worldwide. Low & middle-income countries, account for more than 90% of these deaths. Africa alone is accounting for a staggering 20% of the global total even though it has only 3% of the world’s vehicles 2.

>> The Looming Crisis

As we can see in the graph below based on the World Development Indicators 3, Africa has the highest mortality by traffic in the world, Especially SUB-Saharan Africa with around 27 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of 16.5 deaths per 100,000 population.

This is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. So, what is causing these alarming statistics, and how can we stop it?

Traffic fatalities have become a major public health crisis in Africa, affecting the entire continent. The loss of life is significant, and it has profound social and economic effects. Lives are lost, families are devastated, and communities lose valuable members. However, there are solutions to this crisis. We need to understand and address the root causes.

>> The Power of Education

One of the factors that may explain this problem is the low level of education in the region, which affects the skills and knowledge of drivers, pedestrians, and road users. Education is widely recognized as a key determinant of human development and well-being, as well as a driver of economic growth and social cohesion. However, many African countries still face significant challenges in providing quality and inclusive education for all their citizens.

Below graph shows the % of Population with Educational attainment, at least Bachelor’s degree for people aged +25 years old.

Of all regions, Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion with an average of 3% only. This issue affects drivers and pedestrians alike, shaping their behaviours and safety measures on the road.

Education, or lack thereof, directly influences an individual’s driving behaviour, risk perception, and compliance with traffic rules and regulations. A lack of education diminishes the cognitive skills necessary for safe driving – such as decision making, hazard perception, and situational awareness – and reduces the likelihood of adhering to traffic laws.

As a result, the region experiences a lower life expectancy compared to other parts of the world.

The below graph illustrates this result, where African life expectancy is only ~ 54 years .

>> A Source of Hope

Investing in education can be the remedy for Africa’s traffic fatality crisis. Education is a powerful tool for increasing awareness of road safety and developing human potential. It provides individuals with knowledge, improves cognitive skills, and promotes a culture of safety.

Education has the potential to bring about broader change. It can improve access to quality education for everyone, especially vulnerable groups like women and children.

African countries should increase public spending on education to improve the quality and access of education for all.

This must ensure as well that the resources are used efficiently and effectively to improve the quality and access of education for all.

We can see in the below chart about Government expenditure on education (% of  Gov. exp.) that many African countries are increasing their spending on education recently, which will help reduce the mortality by traffic.

>> The Road Ahead

Through education, we can equip individuals with the necessary skills and awareness to navigate roads safely. Initiatives such as specialized safety classes, more driving schools, and regular car inspections can all contribute to this cause.

There is ample evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, for example, has seen a consistent decrease in traffic fatalities due to higher levels of education and awareness.

Traffic Mortality decreased from a peak of 21.9 to 16.3 per 100,000 population and it is showing high Life Expectancy of 68.3 years on average which is close to Latin America and East Asia Pacific.

This can be considered as a great model for Sub-Saharan Africa to follow.

>> Taking Action

We conclude our journey by emphasizing the transformative power of education. It is evident that education plays a pivotal role in mitigating the alarming rates of traffic fatalities in Africa.

This is more than just a blog post; it is a strong call for change. Education saves lives, including on the roads of Africa.

Based on our research, we recommend several actionable measures to address this issue effectively. These include:

The establishment of specialized safety awareness classes
An increase in the number of driving schools
Spreading awareness for correct helmet use, seat-belts, and promoting child restraint measures.
implementing rigorous car check-ups and safety assessment programs.
implementation of reduced speed limits of 30 kilometers per hour for crowded areas.
By actively pursuing these recommendations and securing necessary funding, we can collectively address the traffic fatality crisis in Africa and demonstrate our commitment to preserving every life.

[1]: WHO – Road traffic injuries

[2]: WHO – Global status report on road safety 2018

[3]: Worldbank data

For Complete Tableau Story:

https://public.tableau.com/views/HowEducationCanSaveLivesontheRoad/Story?:language=en-US&publish=yes&:display_count=n&:origin=viz_share_link

Burning Our Future: The Looming Catastrophe of CO2 Emission Roulette

Burning Our Future: The Looming Catastrophe of CO2 Emission Roulette

This article explores the urgent and harrowing reality of CO2 emissions, which pose a significant threat to our planet. We delve into the consequences of unsustainable behavior, shedding light on the escalating risks associated with carbon dioxide (CO2) Emissions. From the impacts on global temperatures to the profound effects on ecosystems and human well-being, we confront the uncomfortable truth behind our CO2 emissions. Join us on a gripping journey as we unmask the hidden dangers and emphasize the need for immediate action. Our world stands at a critical crossroads, and it is crucial that we change its course before it’s too late.

Global warming is a serious concern for the continuity of life on Earth. The major indicator for global warming is CO2 emissions level, where CO2 accounts for about 76% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Electricity production is a significant contributor to worldwide CO2 emissions with the burning of fossil fuels being the main culprit. Oil, gas, and coal are commonly used to generate electricity and heat, but their use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – are by far the largest contributor to global climate change.

Thus, the problem remains with the continuous increase in CO2 emissions what type of alternatives countries are seeking to reduce the CO2 emissions from electricity and heat production?
To effectively analyze the changes in CO2 emissions from different sources of electricity production, we explored the World Development Indicator’s dataset related to CO2 emissions from electricity and heat production, the total energy production from Fossil fuel, and the use of alternative sources from renewables.

The problem of the dramatic increase in CO2 emissions: From 1960 to 1998, the CO2 emissions level dramatically increased, reaching a high average level of 40.2% of total fuel combustion with a high-pitched slope of +0.427

It is critical to know how the increase in electricity production from renewable sources, which compensate for part of the world’s power demand, limits the dramatic increase in CO2 emissions. From 2000 to 2014, the industrial revolution introduced a new era in renewable energy, reducing the CO2 emissions growth range with a slim slope of +0.058 only.

We believe that renewable energy is the key to limiting CO2 emissions and reducing these emissions levels in the near future.

Impact of electricity production on CO2 emissions:
The impact of electricity production from Oil, gas, and coal sources on CO2 emissions is obvious when looking at the data collected from World Development Indicator’s dataset from the year 1960 to 1998, which is explained by a comparable increased trend.

The electricity demand is increasing worldwide, thus, the need for more power plants is essential. However, the dependency on conventional models operating on fossil fuel sources is increasing and negatively contributing to the level of CO2 emissions. With the direct impact of electricity product sources on CO2 emissions, what can countries do to limit the rise in CO2 emissions’ level globally?
Alternatives as the solution: “Renewables” are the main alternative electricity production sources. The trend of electricity production growth from renewable sources shown below indicates a modest growth of 1% approx. till the year 1999.
In 2000, with the fourth industrial revolution, Renewable Energy became a major alternative source of electricity production.

Alternative electricity sources in countries with the highest kWh consumption per capita:
The proposed solution is to advance electricity production from Renewable sources and examine its impact on CO2 emissions. The selection of the Top 10 consumers of electricity per capita provides clear feedback on the proposed solution. The data from sample countries shows the correlation when the renewables contribute to a higher percentage of electricity production, the CO2 emissions increase is limited if not reduced.

The result is similar when examining the major industrial countries worldwide, where their use of renewables is very limited till 1999;

Effectiveness of alternative electricity sources: The year 2000 was the era of the fourth industrial revolution for the Internet and renewable energy. The use of renewable energy became more popular and the positive impact on CO2 emissions, limiting the sharp slop increase, is well proven by looking at the data after the year 2000 (CO2 emissions level increased by less than 1% only from 2000 to 2014).

Final recommendation: Focusing on improving the growth in Renewable power plants would have a positive contribution to reducing CO2 emissions to lower limits. As of 2015, the use of renewable energy limited the sharp increase in CO2 emissions but didn’t reduce it due to the high demand and the need to cover the consumer’s requirements through conventional electricity production from Fossil fuel. Thus, with the advancement in technology, it is highly recommended to invest more in renewable energy and limit the dependency on oil, gas, and coal. In conclusion, the growth rate for developing new power plants operated by renewables should become way higher than the increase in new conventional power plants running on fossil fuel to secure the limitation, if not reduction, of CO2 emissions from energy and heat, resulting a better future for the global climate.