In the 5th Annual Survey (2011) data miners shared examples of situations where data mining is having a positive impact on society. A summary of the top five positive impact example topic areas is available. Below is the full text of the positive impact examples they shared in the topic area of the Environment:

• We are development model for: -Predict the flow of rivers to meet two months before the availability of irrigation water and the potential for flooding and / or drought. -Predict the occurrence of hail from a weather radar data. -Predict crop yield and production from monthly variables surveyed in the field. -Sort prevailing production systems to perform an economic analysis of production system and not for each particular activity.
• Reduction of postharvest losses through better ability to call which lines of product to commit to which storage / distribution channels.
• More than 90% of the chemicals on the market have not been tested on their potential hazards on humans and environment like carcinogenicity, developmental toxicity, mutagenicity, skin sensitization. If they would be tested in traditional way, i.e., by animal testing, it would require more than 10 million additional animals, billions of euro, and more than 50 years in time. Mathematical models (qsar models) obtained from observation data are going to help reducing, refining, and replacing animal tests in the near future.
• It's very "green" ... targeting results in lower mail volumes. It's very profitable ... it increases the bottom line. It's good for customers ... they are more satisfied when properly implemented as part of a larger customer relationship strategy.
• Data Mining makes better use of resources. It also allows us to identify people in need of services.
• Weather modeling, and the risk assessment of damage caused by environmental factors.
• Better and proactive Risk management, Economic forecast and improved agriculture output.
• Clearly/empirically, (and *not* anecdotally), understanding how we are *actually* destroying our planet, and subsequently taking all appropriate/necessary actions to nurture our planet "back to health" -- *not* motivated by or pursued for profit, politics, or any other form of unethical benefit.
• Environment management.