AI could be a new weapon in the battle against climate change: AI has emerged as a game changer with scientists hoping to use open data to comb through data and crunch numbers, the National reports. Global progress towards climate goals has led scientists to call for corporate transparency in climate data, similar to financial reporting, founder of the Data-Driven EnviroLab Angel Hsu told the National News.

How it works: Hsu explains that if climate data is provided in digitally friendly ways, it would allow AI to crawl through the information and learn that words like “goals”, “targets” and “emission reduction pledges” all mean the same thing, allowing programs to compile forecasts and reports more easily. A recent report by Google claims AI’s skills as a forecaster and number-cruncher could knock five to 10% off global emissions by 2030, the National writes. Scientists at Hsu’s data lab recently released a ChatGPT-like bot called ChatNetZero which answers climate-related questions by crawling and compiling data through corporate green pledges.

AI is already gaining traction in the climate industry: Agritech startup Seabex — based in France and Tunisia — developed a remote, AI-based irrigation monitoring and control system using sensors to improve irrigation and conserve water through personalized insights in real-time back in October. US-based Ocean exploration non-profit OceanX partnered with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and UAE-based AI companies G42 and Bayanat to develop an overarching map of the Emirates’ ocean environment and aquatic ecosystems and assess how the warming seas are impacting UAE’s aquatic life.

And it will be a big feature at COP28: Google and Microsoft have teamed up to host a panel discussion on the role of AI in the fight against climate change at the summit. Other events include a discussion with experts from Agerpoint, Dell, Google, NOAA, and the UAE Ministry of AI on using AI to inform and improve climate-related decisions and an opening keynote fireside chat with McKinsey and Breakthrough Energy on how AI, digital twin technology, and more are shaping climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

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