Climate change has put the world in a precarious state. According to The Economist, some countries will need to spend $140bn-300bn each year on adaptive measures if they want to avoid the harm caused by climate change.

The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool against the perils of climate change. With its capacity to process vast amounts of data and aid in decision-making, AI stands as a transformative force across various sectors in the battle for a sustainable future.

Emerging as more than just a buzzword, here are 6 ways in which AI is already making significant steps in tackling climate change:

1. Monitoring melting icebergs: In the face of accelerating ice melt due to rising temperatures, AI is revolutionizing the monitoring process. Scientists at the University of Leeds have developed AI systems capable of mapping large Antarctic icebergs in satellite images in just a fraction of a second. This rapid analysis provides invaluable insights into the rate and extent of ice loss, crucial for understanding its impact on rising sea levels.

2. Deforestation mapping: AI, coupled with satellite imagery and ecological expertise, is aiding in the mapping of deforestation hotspots worldwide. Companies like Space Intelligence are leveraging AI algorithms to remotely measure deforestation rates and assess carbon stocks in forests. By providing accurate and timely data, AI contributes to informed decision-making for forest conservation and restoration efforts.

3. Community resilience in Africa: In vulnerable regions like Africa, AI is being harnessed to enhance climate resilience. Projects like the IKI Project utilize AI technology to predict weather patterns, enabling communities to better prepare for and adapt to climate change impacts. From facilitating access to clean energy to implementing effective waste management strategies, AI-driven solutions empower communities to mitigate climate risks proactively.

4. Efficient waste management: Addressing the significant methane emissions associated with waste, AI is optimizing waste management processes. Greyparrot’s AI system analyzes waste processing facilities to identify recyclable materials, thereby reducing the volume of waste destined for landfills. By maximizing resource recovery, AI contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal.

5. Ocean clean-up: The Ocean Cleanup initiative in the Netherlands employs AI to combat plastic pollution in the oceans. AI algorithms detect and map ocean litter, guiding cleanup efforts more efficiently than conventional methods. By removing plastic waste, AI not only mitigates environmental harm but also curtails greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and degradation.

6. Climate disaster prediction: Companies like Sipremo in Brazil utilize AI to forecast climate-related disasters, aiding businesses and governments in proactive disaster preparedness. By predicting disaster occurrences and their impacts, AI enables timely interventions to mitigate risks and minimize adverse consequences for communities and infrastructure.

These examples underscore the pivotal role of AI in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. However, the potential of AI in this domain extends beyond these applications. Initiatives like Google DeepMind’s collaboration with Climate Change AI seek to harness AI’s capabilities in advancing global solutions for climate change, from enhancing weather forecasting to optimizing renewable energy production.

As we confront the urgent imperative of climate action, AI emerges as a formidable ally, empowering us to innovate, adapt, and forge a sustainable path forward. By leveraging AI’s transformative potential, we can navigate the complexities of climate change with greater resilience and efficacy, safeguarding our planet for future generations.