Challenge launched at COP28 to tap AI for climate action in developing countries

The UN Climate Change Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and Enterprise Neurosystem, a non-profit AI community, have joined forces to launch the AI Innovation Grand Challenge.

This initiative aims to identify and support AI-powered solutions for climate action in developing countries.

The launch was part of a COP28 high-level event organised by the UN Climate Change Technology Mechanism in collaboration with the COP28 Presidency on Saturday.

Simon Stiell, UN climate change executive secretary, highlighted the potential of AI in addressing climate change challenges, acknowledging both its benefits and risks.

The Innovation Grand Challenge is seen as a promising step towards utilising AI effectively in developing countries, Simon Stiell said.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, minister of state for artificial intelligence in the UAE, emphasised the importance of integrating AI into national policies to combat climate change.

He stressed the need for a global initiative, recognising that climate change requires coordinated efforts beyond geographical boundaries.

AI is already contributing to predicting climate patterns, enhancing crop yields, and optimising renewable energy systems.

At COP28, leaders from governments, the UN, development agencies, and businesses discussed the transformative role of AI in climate action for developing nations, ensuring it doesn’t exacerbate the digital divide.

Shantal Munro-Knight, minister in the prime minister’s office in Barbados, highlighted partnerships with tech companies to test AI ideas.

These include using machine learning for disease detection, designing hurricane-resistant buildings, and planning infrastructure investment, said the minister.

Moussa Bocar Thiam, minister of communications in Senegal, emphasised adapting technology to consider the digital divide, suggesting integrating local languages in emerging technology tools, such as chatbot voices.

Ali Zaidi, assistant to the president and national climate advisor in the United States, stressed the need for the responsible use of AI.

He referenced President Biden’s executive order on AI and expressed the commitment to harness AI’s power for climate change mitigation and clean energy.

The event was organised under the #AI4ClimateAction Initiative, focusing on the potential of AI to scale up climate solutions in developing countries.

It aligns with the call by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for reliable and safe AI to supercharge climate action and achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

Chairs of the Technology Mechanism, Stig Svenningsen, and Erwin Rose, called for new collaborations and partnerships under the #AI4ClimateAction Initiative to deliver concrete results in policy and implementation.

tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com.