In today's world, it can feel like more revolutionary technologies are on the horizon than ever before. One that is particularly exciting and within reach, though, is the blockchain. It's already having a major impact on sectors like the food and beverage industry, and its reach is growing.
Another unfortunate factor that can impact the food and beverage sector's supply chain is natural disasters, such as forest fires. In this post, we're going to look at how blockchain technology can help stop the spread of forest fires and, ultimately, help you secure your supply chain.
What is the Helium blockchain?
First, though, let's look at what the Helium blockchain is. For those that don't know, blockchain technology is not a singular technology but a broad, encompassing technology that can take on many different shapes and sizes.
One of the most popular blockchains currently available is the Helium blockchain. It's designed to facilitate communication and data transfers between IoT devices, keeping transmissions secure, fast, and reliable.
It's an open-source solution, which means that anyone can take advantage of the Helium blockchain for free. This makes it a powerful tool in a variety of situations, including (potentially) stopping the spread of forest fires.
How the Helium blockchain is changing the way we deal with forest fires
Alright, now that you have an idea of what the Helium blockchain is, let's dive in and look at some critical use cases that this blockchain can have in the event of a forest fire. Some of these have been tested, while others are still theoretical. But all could be potentially powerful ways to prevent damage and consequences from forest fires.
Using the Helium blockchain for early warning and monitoring
The first major way that the Helium blockchain can be used to fight forest fires is by providing early warning and monitoring services. There are a few ways that this can be accomplished.
Primarily, this will be done by supporting IoT devices that can detect forest fires. These devices would be deployed in forested areas, detecting early warning signs that a fire might take place. And, ultimately, letting firefighters know when a fire has actually begun.
The Helium blockchain can be used to connect these devices in a free and reliable way, keeping information updated, fast, and clear. The most important thing is that Helium can keep everyone in the loop, before and during an emergency situation, by communicating with IoT devices.
Automating and tracking tree planting with blockchain
Replanting is another great application for IoT and Helium blockchain technology in the fight against forest fires. After a fire, the lost foliage can lead to long-term negative effects on the environment.
Through replanting, we can help reduce these negative effects and help the local environment — and the local crops — bounce back from the disaster. The Helium blockchain can be used to keep track of what's being planned and verify that resources are being delivered the way that they're meant to.
It's important to note that this is already happening. Land Life, an Amsterdam-based blockchain company, has been implementing this solution. However, the company has also caused multiple forest fires by replanting in areas despite government warnings. So like everything on this list, it's absolutely vital that local warnings are adhered to and that the deployment of equipment and solutions is done in a safe, sustainable way.
Using blockchain technology to incentivize funding for forests
One of the more creative use cases for the Helium blockchain in fighting forest fires is by incentivizing and ensuring funding for forests that could be or have been affected by forest fires.
This can be accomplished through what's known as a "smart contract." A smart contract is an automatic agreement that can be executed on the blockchain. This would allow funds donated by individuals to be guaranteed to go towards healing a forest — no middlemen or opaqueness whatsoever.
It's a solution that is already being tested in Indonesia, and that could be spread to other areas around the world.
Collecting data on the impact of forest fires
Lastly, the Helium blockchain can be used to collect data on the impact of forest fires. Again, this would largely be made possible by connecting a wide array of IoT devices throughout a forest before and after a forest fire.
This would allow scientists and researchers to gather as much information leading up to and following a forest fire as possible, which could help us better understand the impact of forest fires. And, hopefully, help us begin fighting them more effectively.
Learn more about the Helium blockchain and how it can be used to change the world
Here at Buffalo Market, we use Helium blockchain technology to track our fleet and monitor the onboard temperatures of our deliveries. We also test for pollution in the air in and around our warehouses.
The Helium Network helps make Buffalo Market the most efficient and transparent food distributor in the market.
Want to learn more about how we can help scale your CPG or retail business? Reach out to one of our experts today!
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