Exploring the Impact and Applications of Data Science and Big Data in Promoting Sustainability
摘要
Integration of data science and big data analytics offers unparalleled opportunities in sustainability initiatives at this juncture. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining the systematic literature review of 127 peer-reviewed articles between 2022 and 2024 and case study analyses of 15 successful sustainability projects across three continents. The analysis showcased the following three main findings: Machine learning algorithms applied to environmental sensor data can predict patterns of degradation with 89% accuracy, allowing for appropriate interventions; big data analytics and integration with IoT devices cut energy consumption in a smart city by nearly 23%; frameworks for real-time data processing can boost efficiency in the allocation of resources for sustainable agriculture practices by around 34%. The results have shown that data-driven decision-making strongly enhances sustainability outcomes, especially with the establishment of robust data governance frameworks that promote cross-sector collaboration. Concluded that while data science applications toward sustainability hold much promise, their successful execution depends on how to attain a technological approach with equal emphasis on environmental concerns and social equity. This study thus provides a comprehensive framework to effectively implement data-driven sustainability initiatives for organizations and policymakers.