What can technology realistically do for the environment?

Satellites, artificial intelligence, sensors, drones and citizen science are transforming environmental monitoring.

Technology can help us see problems earlier.

It cannot make political or human decisions for us.

Where can technology genuinely make a difference — and where are we expecting too much from it?

An attractive map is not automatically a reliable answer. Instruments need calibration, models have assumptions and predictions need to be checked against what happens on the ground. Technology also needs people who can maintain it and act on its findings. The most useful tool may be a simple one that answers a clear local question and continues working after the pilot ends.

• What decision should a tool help with? • What would its limitations be? • Who would maintain and verify it?