Humanity faces a Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution, with six of nine crucial planetary boundaries now breached.[1],[2] A step change in our capacity to address these threats is urgently needed. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dramatically accelerated innovations across a broad range of domains from drug and material discovery, to robotics and medicine. AI is already demonstrating that it can transform our capacity—and has the potential to dramatically accelerate our path—to address climate change and environmental threats.
Recognizing the need to fundamentally transform global systems in order to limit global warming, halt biodiversity loss, and secure a more just and equitable society, Columbia University, the University at Albany, State University of New York, and Esri are partnering to produce a Landscape Assessment report on the use of AI to bolster and accelerate climate and nature solutions.
Identifying Transformative Potential
The objective of the Landscape Assessment is to identify high-impact opportunities for AI to drive innovation in scalable climate and nature solutions. This involves showcasing real-world applications, engaging leaders and experts, and establishing a comprehensive understanding of the current use and potential of AI in climate and nature.
We approach climate and nature solutions through an exploration of advances in AI research and the role and potential of AI in accelerating transformational “shifts” across thematic domains.[1] The report will also propose a framework to identify and quantify the impact of AI initiatives and provide a roadmap for transforming global systems through AI in climate and nature.
For more information, please contact any of the project leads listed below at [email protected].
Amen Ra Mashariki, Director of Data Strategies, Bezos Earth Fund
Pierre Gentine, Professor, Columbia University
Theresa A. Pardo, Associate Vice President, Research & Economic Development, Senior Fellow, Center for Technology in Government, University at Albany, State University of New York
Lauren Bennett, Program Manager, Spatial Analysis and Data Science, Esri
This project is supported by the Bezos Earth Fund, The Fund was established with the largest philanthropic commitment ever to fight climate change and protect nature. The Bezos Earth Fund aims to harness the best of human ingenuity, adaptability, and collective action to create a future in which everyone can thrive.
[1] https://unfccc.int/blog/what-is-the-triple-planetary-crisis
[2] Katherine Richardson et al.,Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries.Sci. Adv. 9, eadh2458(2023).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adh2458
[3] Systems Change Lab, World Resource Institute https://systemschangelab.org/shifts