New correspondent: Saad Ahmed Javed from Nanjing, China

Today our team was strengthened by a PhD student from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA). His name is Saad Ahmed Javed, specialized in the evaluation of ‘uncertain systems’, which can be solved by socalled Grey Systems Models. According to Saad this approach is also useful to tackle global warming. He’s not only a researcher but also the initiator of the Grey Systems Society of Pakistan, GreySys Foundation, in Pakistan.

Being a correspondent means that he’s motivated to help us unroll this platform. We first asked him to answer some questions.

Saad, can you introduce yourself?
I’m Saad Ahmed Javed, a PhD Student at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), China. My major is Management Science and Engineering and I’m specialized in evaluation of uncertain systems, or the systems with incomplete information. We usually call such systems, “grey systems”. I’m also the founding President of the Grey Systems Society of Pakistan, GreySys Foundation, Pakistan.

What motivated you to choose for the study that you’re doing?
I use Grey Systems models to solve problems of various kinds associated with uncertain systems. Our environment is a grey system and uncertainty in this system is increasing with every day that makes the prediction of its future behavior quite uncertain. Recently, I read news that “Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C” requires drastic actions by international community. thus I believe the environmental problems are big enough to be handled by one or two countries single-handedly. There is a saying, “I am a man and all that affects mankind concerns me.” This saying truly represents my beliefs and ideas. Right now human activities, in general, and the activities of industrialists, in particular, are severely affecting not only mankind but the environment as well. I’m not a politician or ruler who could use his power to limit global warming by introducing drastic changes in rules, regulations and practices. However, I’m a researcher in one of the finest research-oriented universities in China. I don’t have power but knowledge. Today, knowledge (information) and data have become two edges of a double-edged sword. This sword has power to be weapon of mass destruction or weapon of mass construction. Using this weapon we can destroy the world 10 times and using the same weapon we can also do something constructive and positive for our mother Earth, its environment and the creatures living over it. These are my ideas, which motivate me to do what I’m currently doing. I’m a man who truly loves environment. Also, a saying of my late grandfather usually motivates me; “People are looking for life on other planets while destroying the life on this planet (Earth).”

What are your ambitions? How would you like to develop your future career?
Since my high school years, I had a dream that one day I have to do doctorate and become scientist. Right now, I’m doing PhD under the supervision of one of the brightest minds on Earth. Our collaboration leads to number of publications in SCI journals. One of the publications was even quoted by NatureINDEX in one of its news. I enjoy doing research and studying different problems. Thus in future I want to associate myself with a university or a research centre. I want to add some value in the existing scientific knowledge in future through research works and scientific achievements.

Do you see any consequences from climate change in your region? If yes, can you give an example?
I’m a Pakistani currently living in China. I have been to Sweden, Thailand and Malaysia as well. I don’t want to quote an example specific from “my region” as it’s hard to define, what exactly “my region” is. I consider myself a global citizen who shares same problems like any other global citizen. Poor people in every country are weak and helpless. Rich people are strong and resourceful in every country. When Sun shines, everyone feels same heat irrespective of his/her color or religion. Thus, climate change is a real change that is affecting all of us everywhere. A person in Air Conditioner (AC) can think he is less vulnerable to heat than the one on street but in long run we all have to sink together if this boat (Earth) sinks (along with our ACs!). Right now, the people of Pakistan and India, whiling housing the “land of five rivers”, are worried about the issue of “water scarcity” that may become severe in future. Maldives’ people are worried about losing their homes to the ocean in upcoming decades. Penguins and Polar bears are also worried but neither can they speak nor they own any newspaper which could translate their tears into words. Every day we all are losing, another day that could be saved!

What do you consider is a strong quality of the Cool Down The Planet formula?
I’m not sure about your key strengths and limitations, right now. But I can give more fair judgment in future once I interact with your team and partners. However, one thing is certain; the stated objective of your team is really cool! I wish your powerful platform enables us all in creating a platform from where the people could really cool down the planet!