The rapid advancements in computing power have been nothing short of extraordinary, with modern smartphones now possessing more power than the vast computer NASA used to manage the Apollo 11 mission. However, the era of quantum computing is upon us, and it has the potential to revolutionize many industries and bring environmental benefits.
Quantum computers will be able to solve problems much faster than conventional computers, according to Professor Winfried Hensinger, director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies at the University of Sussex in the UK. He believes that quantum computers will have disruptive applications in various fields, allowing them to take on certain problems that a classical computer might take billions and billions of years to solve. The interest in this field has grown so much that a “Hackathon for Social Good in the Arab World” was hosted in April by New York University Abu Dhabi, focusing on how quantum computing could improve sustainability.
One area where quantum computing could make a significant difference is in reducing the harmful impact on the environment. There are diverse ways in which quantum computing could help with sustainability, from improving electric car batteries to making the production of fertilizers less energy-intensive. Given the challenges the world faces in mitigating climate change, the potential for quantum computing to play a part in finding solutions cannot be overstated. As quantum computers become more powerful, researchers expect them to identify breakthroughs in energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and resource conservation.
