TL;DR:
- IBM leverages geospatial AI technologies to address climate challenges.
- Geospatial foundation models are applied to analyze urban heat islands, reforestation efforts, and climate resilience.
- These models use vast datasets, including satellite imagery, for accelerated environmental insights.
- The UAE sees a reduction in urban heat island effects, Kenya focuses on reforestation, and the UK automates climate risk assessments.
- IBM collaborates with NASA to develop an AI foundation model for weather and climate.
- IBM’s commitment to climate action reinforces its long-standing environmental stewardship.
Main AI News:
In a bid to combat climate change, IBM has unveiled its groundbreaking geospatial AI technologies. These advancements leverage IBM’s geospatial foundation model, developed in collaboration with NASA, to tackle various climate challenges. From addressing urban heat islands in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to spearheading reforestation efforts in Kenya and enhancing climate resilience in the United Kingdom (UK), IBM is pioneering the use of AI for environmental sustainability.
IBM’s approach involves the creation and fine-tuning of foundation models, extending beyond natural language processing to geospatial applications. These models, trained on vast datasets including satellite imagery and weather information, provide a unique opportunity to accelerate the discovery of environmental insights and solutions. Unlike traditional AI models designed for specific tasks, geospatial foundation models can adapt their knowledge to different climate-related issues, such as flood detection and fire management.
Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow and Vice President, Accelerated Discovery at IBM, emphasized the importance of AI foundation models in addressing climate challenges. He stated, “Climate change is a real and pressing issue that we must find new ways to address as quickly and efficiently as possible, including through today’s most advanced AI technologies.” These models hold the potential to revolutionize our understanding of climate-related events and pave the way for a safer and healthier planet.
Mapping Urban Heat Islands in the UAE
As global temperatures rise, urban heat islands pose a significant threat to cities. IBM, in collaboration with the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), is utilizing foundation models to map and mitigate the impact of urban heat islands in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By analyzing the urban environment, IBM’s geospatial foundation model has already reduced heat island effects in the region by over 3 degrees Celsius. This research aims to inform urban design strategies to combat rising temperatures.
Professor Tim Baldwin, MBZUAI Acting Provost, highlighted the importance of AI in addressing climate challenges and emphasized its transformative power. He stated, “By harnessing the power of AI, we are not merely addressing challenges; we are proactively shaping solutions for a sustainable future.”
Reforestation and Water Sustainability in Kenya
Kenya faces the challenge of deforestation, contributing to water scarcity in critical regions. In response, IBM has partnered with the Kenyan government’s office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change to support the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign. This initiative, powered by IBM’s geospatial foundation model, allows users to track and visualize tree planting activities in water tower areas, contributing to reforestation efforts. The collaboration aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 and ensure sustainable water resources.
The President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Hussein Mohamed, emphasized the potential of technology in advancing climate goals. He stated, “Through our partnership with IBM, we have the capability of harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and geospatial data to advance our climate ambitions.”
Enhancing Climate Resiliency in the UK
IBM, in collaboration with the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre and Royal HaskoningDHV, is introducing a service that uses geospatial AI tools to automate climate risk assessment processes for organizations. Initially focusing on the aviation sector, this service will assess the short-term and long-term impacts of extreme weather and climate change on airport operations and infrastructure. Additionally, IBM’s geospatial AI will be applied to the TreesAI project, mapping urban locations for tree planting to mitigate surface water flooding.
Kate Royse, Director at STFC’s Hartree Centre, emphasized the importance of AI in preparing for climate challenges. She stated, “Advanced AI technologies are key drivers in enabling us to build a more resilient world against the adverse impacts of climate change.”
Djeevan Schiferli, Climate Intelligence Business Strategist at Royal HaskoningDHV, added, “Operational and strategic planners require a clear understanding of how weather and climate-related incidents affect their business operations. By harnessing AI and geospatial data, we will supercharge our climate risk assessments on a global scale.”
Chloe Treger, TreesAI UK Lead, highlighted the significance of tree planting in reducing surface water flooding risks. She mentioned, “This collaboration will enhance our capacity to participate in the carbon economy equitably.”
NASA Collaboration for Weather AI
In addition to their geospatial foundation model, IBM and NASA are collaborating on a new AI foundation model for weather and climate. This model aims to improve the accuracy and speed of weather forecasting and climate applications. It will address various weather-related issues, including extreme weather events and wildfires. IBM researchers will work alongside NASA experts to develop and validate this innovative model.
IBM’s Commitment to Climate Action
IBM’s efforts in geospatial AI and climate sustainability are part of its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. The company’s history of action and advocacy in environmental matters dates back over 50 years. IBM is also actively involved in global initiatives and partnerships, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting a just energy transition. As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, IBM remains at the forefront of using AI and technology to drive sustainable solutions.
Conclusion:
IBM’s application of geospatial AI to address climate challenges opens up new possibilities for businesses. It provides a data-driven approach to climate-related issues, from urban planning to climate risk assessment, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and contribute to a sustainable future. This innovative use of AI technology has the potential to drive market advancements in climate solutions and resilience across various industries.
