As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change, one powerful tool has emerged at the forefront of efforts to combat the crisis: artificial intelligence (AI). With its ability to process vast amounts of data and make precise predictions, AI is rapidly transforming industries and providing innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. From tracking icebergs to enhancing waste management, AI is a critical ally in the fight to protect our planet.
Here are 10 ways AI is already helping to tackle climate change.
- AI Knows Where and How Fast Icebergs Are Melting
As the climate warms, icebergs are melting at an accelerated rate, contributing to rising sea levels. AI is helping scientists track this process with remarkable speed and accuracy. Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an AI system that can analyze satellite images and map large Antarctic icebergs in just one-hundredth of a second—10,000 times faster than a human could. This technology enables researchers to study the volume of meltwater released by icebergs and gain insights into how this process affects the global climate.
AI Helps Predict Climate Disasters
AI is being used to predict and mitigate the impact of climate disasters, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. In São Paulo, Brazil, Sipremo, an AI-driven company, forecasts the location, timing, and severity of climate disasters, enabling businesses and governments to take proactive measures. This includes adjusting event schedules, preparing for extreme weather conditions, and managing resources to minimize damage.
- Helping Industry Decarbonize
AI is also playing a pivotal role in decarbonizing industries that are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as mining, oil, and gas. Companies like Eugenie.ai are using AI to track emissions from industrial operations by combining satellite data with real-time sensor data. The platform analyzes this information to help companies reduce their emissions by 20-30%, offering a valuable tool in the quest to lower the industrial carbon footprint.
- Mapping Deforestation with AI
Deforestation is a major driver of climate change, as forests play a crucial role in storing carbon. AI, combined with satellite imagery, is helping map deforestation’s impact more efficiently than ever. Companies like Space Intelligence are using AI to remotely measure deforestation rates and track carbon storage in forests across more than 30 countries. This data is vital for understanding the environmental toll of deforestation and supporting global conservation efforts.
- Helping African Communities Adapt to Climate Risks
In Africa, where many communities are highly vulnerable to climate change, AI is being used to predict weather patterns and help with adaptation strategies. The United Nations’ IKI Project is utilizing AI to assist communities in Burundi, Chad, and Sudan by providing critical information about climate risks. This includes improving access to clean energy, implementing waste management systems, and promoting reforestation—ensuring that vulnerable populations are better prepared to cope with climate impacts.
- AI is Helping to Recycle More Waste
Waste management is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with landfills releasing large amounts of methane. AI is being leveraged to make recycling processes more efficient. Greyparrot, a UK-based startup, has developed an AI system that monitors waste facilities, identifying materials that could be recycled but are currently being sent to landfills. In 2022 alone, the system helped recover 86 tonnes of material that would otherwise have gone to waste, significantly reducing emissions and environmental impact.
- AI is Cleaning Up the Ocean
Plastic pollution in our oceans is a major contributor to climate change, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and threatening marine life. The Ocean Cleanup, a Netherlands-based organization, uses AI to create detailed maps of ocean litter and improve cleanup efficiency. Using AI-powered object detection, the organization can identify and remove plastic waste from remote areas more effectively than traditional methods, such as trawlers or airplanes.
- AI for a Better Climate Tools WishList
AI’s potential in combating climate change is still growing, and companies like Google DeepMind are working on creating more advanced tools to help tackle the crisis. Google DeepMind, in collaboration with Climate Change AI, is building a “wish list” of datasets that would aid in developing AI-driven solutions to climate challenges. These tools aim to improve weather forecasting and optimize energy use, particularly in areas like wind energy, where better predictions of wind farm output could make renewable energy sources more reliable and efficient.
- Reforesting Hills in Brazil with Drones
AI is not just about data processing—it’s also aiding hands-on environmental restoration. In Brazil, drones equipped with AI are being used to reforest the hills around Rio de Janeiro. These drones can disperse seed capsules 100 times faster than humans, allowing reforestation efforts to reach difficult-to-access areas. The initiative, launched in January 2024, is a partnership between the city of Rio de Janeiro and the startup Morfo, and it’s helping to restore crucial ecosystems while sequestering carbon.
- AI in Agriculture: A Sustainable Future
Agriculture is both a contributor to and a victim of climate change. AI is helping to make farming more sustainable by processing data from sensors placed on crops, enabling farmers to optimize water usage, reduce pesticide application, and minimize environmental impact. By using AI to manage agricultural practices more efficiently, the agricultural sector can reduce its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring food security for a growing global population.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Climate Action
The potential for AI to help combat climate change is vast, and its role will only expand in the coming years. According to the World Economic Forum’s “Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2023” report, AI is expected to revolutionize industries such as drug design, engineering, and architecture, all of which can contribute to environmental sustainability. Innovations like generative AI hold promise in creating new solutions for climate change, from advanced materials to more efficient energy systems. However, the full potential of AI in the climate fight will only be realized with ongoing innovation and collaboration across industries, governments, and research institutions.
In conclusion, AI is not just a tool for prediction and analysis—it is a transformative force that is already helping us fight climate change in creative and impactful ways. As AI technology evolves, its potential to protect our planet and secure a sustainable future grows stronger, offering hope that we can overcome one of humanity’s most urgent challenges.
