January-February . 2024 | @ green • COP 28 05
January-February . 2024 | @ green • COP 28 05
Challenge launched
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for climate action in developing countries
THE UN Climate Change Technology Executive Committee ( TEC ) and Enterprise Neurosystem , a non-profit open-source artificial intelligence ( AI ) community , launched the AI Innovation Grand Challenge to identify and support the development of AIpowered solutions for climate action in developing countries .
The launch was part of a COP 28 highlevel event organised by the UN Climate Change Technology Mechanism in collaboration with the COP 28 Presidency .
“ We are seeing increasing evidence that artificial intelligence can prove an invaluable instrument in tackling climate change ,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell .
“ While we remain mindful of AI ’ s associated challenges and risks , the Innovation Grand Challenge is a promising step forward in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and empowering innovators in developing countries .”
Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence , Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications , United
“ While we remain mindful of AI ’ s associated challenges and risks , the Innovation Grand Challenge is a promising step forward in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and empowering innovators in developing countries .”
– Simon Stiell
Arab Emirates , Omar Sultan Al Olama said : “ Harnessing artificial intelligence as a strategic asset to mitigate climate change involves integrating it into national policies and plans .
“ This integration facilitates the use of data analytics to align policy with realtime climate data , thereby enhancing its efficacy and advancing technological development and scientific discovery in the energy field .
“ These measures and policies should not be viewed in isolation , but rather as a unified global initiative , acknowledging that climate change transcends geographical boundaries and requires concerted global efforts .”
Artificial intelligence is already being used to predict climate patterns and extreme weather events , improve crop yields , reduce water usage or optimise renewable energy systems
COP 28 brought together leaders from governments , the United Nations , development cooperation agencies and businesses to discuss how AI can be used for transformational climate action in developing nations while ensuring that it does not contribute to widening the digital divide caused by unequal access to technology .
Minister in the Prime Minister ’ s Office , Barbados , Shantal Munro-Knight said they were partnering with international tech companies to test ideas in Barbados whilst contributing to the island ’ s development .
“ Some ideas include using machine learning and AI to check for the presence of tropical diseases , designing hurricane-resistant buildings , and planning infrastructure investment ,” said Munro-Knight .
“ Collaboration , training and technology transfer are key to ensuring that AI contributes effectively to climate mitigation and adaptation for small island developing States .”
Minister of Communications , Telecommunications and the Digital Economy , Senegal , Moussa Bocar Thiam said it was important to adapt the technology to take account of the digital divide , especially among those most vulnerable to climate change .
“ Integration of chatbot voice with local languages in these emerging technology tools is one solution that would ensure the existing digital divide is taken into account ,” added Thiam .
Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor , United States of America , Ali Zaidi said : “ We must manage the risks and seize the promise of artificial intelligence . The United States is committed to doing so , as President Biden ’ s recent Executive Order on AI demonstrates .
“ By working together , we can responsibly harness the power of this emerging technology to develop AI tools that help mitigate climate change risks , make our communities more sustainable and resilient , and build an equitable clean energy future for all .”
The event was organised under the Technology Mechanism Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action (# AI4ClimateAction ), which examines the potential of AI to scale up climate solutions in developing countries , focusing on least-developed countries and small island developing States .
In line with the call by UN Secretary- General António Guterres to develop AI that is “ reliable and safe ” and that can “ supercharge climate action ” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals , the # AI4ClimateAction Initiative aims to advance climate-resilient and lowemissions development .
The Chairs of the Technology Mechanism , Stig Svenningsen and Erwin Rose , called for new collaborations and partnerships that help deliver concrete results , both on policy and implementation , under the # AI4ClimateAction Initiative .
UN Global Climate
Action Awards ceremony celebrates youth-led climate solutions
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TWO young people were celebrated as winners of the UN Global Climate Action Awards during the UN Climate Change Conference ( COP 28 ) in Dubai .
Michelle Zárate Palomec of Mexico and Sebastian Mwaura of Kenya were selected from hundreds of applicants from 120 countries for their outstanding efforts to make their communities more sustainable , resilient and equitable places to live .
Zárate Palomec , 27 , led efforts within an organisation called Espacio de Encuentro de las Culturas Originarias to provide access to clean and sufficient water for highly marginalised indigenous communities in the State of Oaxaca , where water resources are
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scarce , and water pollution accentuates social and gender inequalities .
“ The communities involved in the project benefit from affordable and innovative ecotechnologies for water sanitation , micro-watershed recovery and the ability to adapt to the main hydro-meteorological events to which they are vulnerable ,” said Palomec , who won under the Award ’ s ‘ resilient nature ’ category .
Mwaura , 35 , is the co-founder of Yna Kenya , whose primary objective is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles by providing a robust charging network powered by renewable energy sources . He also started the HerGo programme to bring women into the e-mobility
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transport sector , aiming to create 12,000 jobs for women as drivers and chargingstation owners .
“ This initiative was born from our commitment to mitigating climate change by promoting renewable energy in the transportation sector ,” said Kabui , who won under the Award ’ s ‘ energy transition ’ category .
“ The widespread adoption of electric vehicles and the availability of a robust charging network plays a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable and carbonneutral future .”
The two award winners were celebrated at an award ceremony on Dec 8 in the Global Climate Action area , Arena 1 ( Al Hur ). - @ green
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