Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can play a critical role in both mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, according to Dr. Diana Francis, Climate Scientist and ENGEOS Lab Head at Khalifa University.
In a talk delivered at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Francis highlighted the growing urgency of addressing climate challenges and the critical role AI can play in providing solutions.
She noted that 2024 has been officially confirmed as the hottest year on record, with the global average temperature surpassing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.
The year 2024 has also seen alarming increases in greenhouse gas concentrations, water vapour levels, and heat stress, all of which contribute to intensified weather patterns, according to Dr. Francis.
The impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide. In regions like the UAE, projections show a shift from arid conditions to more humid and wet climates, with rising rainfall patterns exacerbating risks, Dr. Francis said.
The root cause of global warming, she explained, is the excess release of greenhouse gases like CO2, methane and water vapour into the atmosphere, which trap heat and prevent it from escaping into space.
This warming is further exacerbated by a feedback loop, where reduced cloud cover amplifies the heating effect, she noted.
Dr. Francis stressed that while these changes are already in motion due to past emissions, immediate action is crucial for mitigating further damage.
AI can offer powerful solutions across three main areas: mitigation, adaptation and innovation, she said.
It can help reduce emissions by optimising energy use and identifying areas for improvement. For example, AI can monitor emissions from oil and gas facilities using satellite imagery to detect and quantify flaring, helping reduce emissions.
When it comes to adaptation, Dr. Francis said that AI can enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events, providing accurate forecasts to help communities prepare for hurricanes, flooding or storms.
"By using AI to create better prediction models, we can save lives and protect livelihoods," she added.
Dr. Francis also pointed to AI applications in environmental conservation, such as forest monitoring to combat deforestation, as well as precision farming to optimise resource use and reduce food waste.
In urban sustainability, AI is helping design smart cities that are better equipped to deal with climate-related challenges, from managing air quality to reducing urban heat stress.
However, Dr. Francis cautioned that AI itself has an energy footprint, noting that the energy transition is essential to ensuring that AI contributes positively to the climate crisis.
