COP31: How AI can help us adapt to climate change |
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described COP31, being hosted in his country, as the “implementation COP,” emphasizing the need to translate climate commitments into action.
The urgency is mounting. In September, the latest United Nations Environment Programme report concluded that limiting global warming to 1.5 C, or even slightly exceeding that threshold, is no longer achievable.
Although returning below 1.5 C later this century remains possible, it would require rapid, substantial emissions reductions. Meanwhile, continued warming increases the risks of severe and irreversible climate impacts, making effective action critical.
Given this urgency, artificial intelligence (AI) is attracting attention for its potential to deepen our understanding of climate risks and inform our responses. This growing interest is reflected in COP31’s Antalya AI Pledge.
But realizing this potential raises an important question: Do the professionals working on climate adaptation have the knowledge, skills and support to use these technologies effectively and responsibly?
AI and climate monitoring
A 2023 national survey of Canadian professionals found that many do not feel adequately equipped to apply adaptation tools or make the case for adaptation measures.
This points to a gap between understanding climate risks and having the capabilities to address them.........