IBM has been teaming up with companies and governments all around the world to implement blockchain solutions for a variety of uses. This time around, IBM has teamed up with SweetSense and the Fresh Water Trust in a bid to track the usage of underground water reserves in California. The practice is unsustainable and could cause the destruction of habitats for protected species of animals, plants, and fish.
Using Sensors to Track Water Usage
Water and computers tend to be mortal enemies, but in this partnership the two are looking out for one another. Specialized sensors from SweetSense will be placed underground to track the usage of underground water in real time and transmit it to IBM’s data center. From there it will be placed into a blockchain solution, making the data immutable so that it can be used in a court of law should the need arise. Smart contracts will also be utilized to allow the data to trigger events, such as producing automatic reports of illegal use of underground water.
IBM Saving the Planet
IBM is one of many firms that is dedicated to saving the planet by using technology. If this pilot scheme goes well and provides positive results, there is a good chance it could make its way to Africa where underground water supplies are being pillaged by illegal factions and farmers looking to gain access to free water. If IBM’s solution can protect these vital stores of water, then it can be preserved for future generations, as well as given time to recover and be restored to natural levels.
Tracking Cobalt Supplies
It isn’t just water that IBM is working to track and protect, it’s also teaming up with Ford to track the entire cobalt supply chain. The Democratic Republic of Congo is vilified for its use of child labor, and this is where the largest reserves of cobalt exist. IBM and Ford are working together to ensure that cobalt mined in the country comes from legal sources that don’t use child labor.
IBM has also created the Blockchain World Wire to allow banks to make cross-border payments in a matter of seconds – similarly to Ripple’s xRapid. By teaming up with Stellar, IBM has managed to create the ultimate global payment network. All of these projects are securing the future of blockchain technology in our daily lives, or at least that’s the idea. Hopefully, the trial in California will generate positive results and IBM can be put in charge of safeguarding vital underground water supplies for generations to come.
