In a world grappling with climate change, Ankur S. is leading the charge with a mix of geospatial science, innovation, and environmental education. With expertise in Earth sciences, GIS, and machine learning, Ankur blends technology with passion to drive meaningful climate solutions.
A Leader in Geospatial Data Science
Ankur’s work as a Geospatial Data Scientist at Climate Engine showcases his ability to harness geospatial data for real-world applications. From wildfire risk modeling to biodiversity monitoring, he uses tools like Google Earth Engine and climate models to analyze environmental trends.
His contributions include:
- Building models for fire weather forecasts and algal bloom detection
- Developing geospatial tools to visualize climate risk insights
- Using generative AI and spatial analysis to map industrial assets for emissions monitoring
By combining raster and vector data, Ankur provides actionable insights into climate resilience and environmental management.
Driving Sustainability Through Action
Ankur wears many hats. As the Executive Director of PlanetSapling, he creates solutions to inform local climate action and monitors ecosystems using geospatial tools. He also co-founded From Soil to Soul, a platform dedicated to scaling food sovereignty and resilience initiatives through documentaries and community engagement.
At Mycelium, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and circular economies, Ankur leads projects like:
- Designing a sustainable food system vision for 2050
- Developing open-source datasets for waste management
- Teaching workshops on food sustainability and self-reliance
His work reflects his belief: “Leave the world better than you found it.”
Bridging Science and Education
Ankur’s passion for environmental education shines through his efforts:
- Designing and teaching a college-level course on pollution and climate change
- Producing YouTube videos to educate on environmental challenges and solutions
- Collaborating with organizations like the American Geophysical Union (AGU) to develop outdoor education programs
By combining science communication with hands-on learning, Ankur inspires others to take action.
Experience Across Leading Institutions
Ankur’s background includes research roles at NASA-IMPACT, where he developed algorithms to detect contrails and marine debris from satellite imagery. He’s also contributed to clean energy initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa as a Junior ML Engineer at Omdena, focusing on predictive models for solar energy production.
Why Ankur S. Deserves Celebration
Ankur S. is more than a geospatial scientist—he’s a visionary who uses data, technology, and education to drive environmental change. Whether mapping ecosystems, teaching sustainability, or advocating for food resilience, Ankur is creating a better future, one project at a time.
Thank you, Ankur, for your commitment to the planet 🌍. Your work reminds us that science, when combined with purpose, has the power to heal and transform the world.
