At the heart of discussions at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP28, a high-level panel convened to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for climate action and youth empowerment.
The event, spearheaded by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, brought together diverse stakeholders — from representatives of Commonwealth member countries to tech giants and youth groups — all dedicated to harnessing AI’s power for a sustainable future.
The collaboration showcased at COP28 between the Commonwealth Secretariat, NVIDIA, UC Berkeley, and Humans.ai marks a significant stride in advancing the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), established in April 2023.
The CAIC aims to bolster the AI capabilities of small states, offering them access to cutting-edge technology, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and fostering economic growth while addressing climate change impacts.
During the event, the Secretary-General emphasized the ethical harnessing of AI and its pivotal role in mitigating climate change effects. She underscored how AI serves as an ally in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and propelling economic growth but cautioned against the existing digital divide that could impede its widespread adoption.
Keynote addresses further illuminated the challenges and opportunities for small states in embracing AI for climate action. The Prime Minister of Tonga highlighted the necessity for strategic navigation given the disparities in access and skills between member countries.
Practical demonstrations by technology leaders like NVIDIA showcased AI applications like ‘Omniverse,’ highlighting its role in monitoring sea level rise in Tonga, which is crucial for informed decision-making in small states’ economic planning.
UC Berkeley’s presentation of the Smart Village Toolkit, in collaboration with Humans.ai, demonstrated AI’s potential to improve rural livelihoods globally, reaching approximately 3.4 billion individuals residing in such areas.
“We all hear about several exciting initiatives which showcase the potential of AI in addressing climate change. This includes concepts such as ‘Smart Villages,’ the work Humans.ai is doing on evolutionary AI, AI-driven assessment of sea level rise on NVIDIA’s Omniverse Platform, and so much more. It’s so good to see NVIDIA right next to her brother in terms of evolutionary AI because they are a dynamic, dangerous partnership,” commented Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland, highlighting the synergy between NVIDIA’s advancements in AI technology and the pioneering work of Humans.ai in the field.
In an insightful intervention, the CEO and Founder of Humans.ai, Sabin Dima, stressed the importance of empowering vulnerable groups through innovative AI tools, providing real-time solutions and updated information. This sentiment was echoed by youth representatives, emphasizing the need to equip young people with the necessary tools, especially in AI, where local context and data play pivotal roles.
The event culminated in a resounding call for continued collaboration with youth, recognizing their crucial role in steering towards a sustainable, climate-resilient future underpinned by AI technology. It is a testament to the collective commitment to leverage AI as a force for positive change, addressing climate challenges while empowering the next generation.
The Leveraging AI for Climate Action and Youth Empowerment event at COP28 epitomizes a promising step towards a future where innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity intersect to tackle the most pressing global issues.
