The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) must be utilised to combat the global climate crisis, delegates at Cop28 heard as the summit looked towards firming up conclusions and commitments.
The UN Climate Change Technology Executive Committee (TEC), together with Enterprise Neurosystem, a non-profit AI community, has now launched the AI Innovation Grand Challenge to create high-tech solutions for climate action in developing countries.
Artificial Intelligence is already being used to predict climate patterns and extreme weather events, improve crop yields, reduce water usage, aid conservation and optimise renewable energy systems.
‘We are seeing increasing evidence that artificial intelligence can prove an invaluable instrument in tackling climate change. While we remain mindful of the associated challenges and risks of AI, the Innovation Grand Challenge is a promising step forward in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and empowering innovators in developing countries,’ said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.
The Dubai event also looked at how systems can be used while ensuring that they do not contribute to widening any digital divide caused by unequal access to technology.
HE Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications for the UAE said: ‘Harnessing artificial intelligence as a strategic asset to mitigate climate change involves integrating it into national policies and plans.
‘This integration facilitates the use of data analytics to align policy with real-time climate data, thereby enhancing its efficacy and advancing technological development and scientific discovery in the field of energy.
‘These measures and policies should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as a unified global initiative, acknowledging that climate change transcends geographical boundaries and requires concerted global efforts.’
