A New Perspective: Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence
How Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence can provide the tools to manage risk and protect planetary resources
The rapidly evolving fields of Earth Observation (EO) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are giving financial institutions, corporations, and policymakers the tools they need to support their environmental goals. These emerging technologies already offer decision-useful information across a diversity of use-cases from early warning systems for climate impacts to enhancements in ecosystem restoration. This piece will explore the potential of EO and AI and consider a variety of practical use cases for protecting the natural world and the communities that depend on it.
Stopping Deforestation and Restoring Forests
Forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance, absorbing carbon dioxide, and preserving biodiversity. Earth observation satellites, such as those operated by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), provide critical data on deforestation, forest health, and changes in land use. AI algorithms analyze this data to identify deforestation trends, illegal logging activities, and areas suitable for reforestation. A study demonstrated that AI could predict deforestation with over 80% accuracy, enabling proactive measures (Global Forest Watch, 2021). Furthermore, initiatives like the Trillion Trees Campaign utilize AI to monitor reforestation efforts and ensure the survival of newly planted trees.
Ocean and Blue Ecosystem Conservation
Oceans cover more than 70% of Earth's surface and are crucial for climate regulation, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Earth observation technologies monitor ocean temperatures, acidity levels, and the health of coral reefs. AI plays a transformative role in analyzing this data, identifying patterns of coral bleaching, and assessing the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Projects such as the Allen Coral Atlas leverage EO to map and monitor coral reefs globally, providing actionable insights for conservation efforts. This project has mapped over 2.5 million square kilometers of coral reefs, offering a foundation for restoration initiatives (Allen Coral Atlas, 2020).
Wildlife Protection
Protecting endangered species and their habitats is essential for biodiversity conservation. EO satellites track habitat changes, while AI helps in analyzing movements and behavior patterns of wildlife through camera images. The eMammal project, for example, uses AI to automate the identification of species in camera trap images, significantly reducing the time required for data analysis (Smithsonian Institution, 2019). This technology aids in monitoring endangered species, understanding their habitat requirements, and implementing targeted conservation strategies.
Water Resource Management
Freshwater ecosystems are under threat from pollution, overuse, and climate change. EO provides critical data on water quality, levels in rivers and lakes, and changes in wetlands. AI models predict water demand, identify potential areas of water stress, and optimize water usage for agriculture. For instance, the use of AI in analyzing satellite data has enabled the identification of previously uncharted water bodies and the assessment of their vulnerability to climate impacts (UNESCO, 2021). This information is crucial for sustainable water management and the protection of freshwater biodiversity.
Air Quality Monitoring
Air pollution is a significant environmental and health concern, currently costing billions in economic harm and killing millions annually (WHO, 2023). EO satellites monitor pollutants and greenhouse gases on a global scale. AI algorithms analyze this data to forecast air quality, identify pollution sources, and assess the effectiveness of pollution control measures. The European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, coupled with AI, provides near-real-time data on air pollutants, supporting efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate health impacts (ESA, 2021).
Climate Adaptation and Early Warnings
Adapting to the impacts of climate change requires an understanding of impending risks and accurate forecasting of future conditions. EO satellites collect data on sea-level rise, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events. AI models use this data to project future climate scenarios, assess vulnerabilities, and inform targeted adaptation strategies. For example, AI has been used to predict sea-level rise impacts on coastal cities, guiding infrastructure adaptation and coastal protection measures (Nature Climate Change, 2020). In addition, ahead of damaging storms, the Red Cross and other international relief agencies use EO technologies to help governments gain advance warning for the areas at highest risk.
The examples described above are a small sample of the diverse applications that EO and AI can be integrated into. Other areas of potential include the use of these technologies to not only manage risks but also to identify opportunities. In the face of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss, and pollution, EO and AI will be vital tools in building a resilient and sustainable future.