Background

In June 2023, the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism launched its Initiative on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Climate Action (#AI4ClimateAction) to expolore the potential role of AI as a powerful technological tool for transformative adapatation and mitigation solutions in developing countries, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). The UNFCCC Technology Mechanism is comprised of a policy arm, the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) hosted by UNFCCC and an implementation arm, the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) hosted by UNEP. Activities under the AI Initiative will be undertaken in the context of implementing the Technology Mechanism Joint Work Programme and in accordance with the functions of the TEC and the CTCN.

Objectives

The objectives of this event are to showcase examples of AI-driven climate solutions from Africa and solicit views from the region on opportunities and challegenges regarding the the use of AI-powered tools for low-emission climate-resilient development. Insights from this event will inform the further work of the Technology Mechanism Initiative on AI for Climate Action. 

09:00 - 09:05 | Welcome by the Moderator
Ms. Monique Motty, Member of the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee

09:05 - 09:15 | Opening Remarks
Ms. Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, Director, Intergovernmental Process and Collective Progress, UNFCCC Secretariat
Ms. Esra Al Hosani, Team Leader, Science, Technology & Innovation, Incoming COP 28 Presidency, United Arab Emirates

09:15 - 09:25 | Scene setting presentation: AI for climate action in developing countries
Mr. Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem

09:25 - 09:55 | Presentations: AI-powered climate solutions in Africa
-     Climate-resilient supply chains through data & AI
      Ms. Kate Kallot, Founder & CEO, Amini
-     AI for clean energy solutions for rural women in Africa
      Ms. Monique Ntumngia, Founder, Green Girls Organisation
-     AI for Disaster Risk Reduction in East Africa & Country Readiness for the Ethics of AI
      Mr. Alexandros Makarigakis, Director and Representative a.i., Regional Office for Eastern Africa, UNESCO
-     Managing Regional Climate Risks with AI and ML
      Mr. Kenneth Mwangi, Project Lead & Early Warning Expert, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre

09:55 - 10:35 | Panel discussion: Opportunities and challenges of AI for climate action in Africa
Mr. Fred Onduri, Vice-Chair, CTCN Advisory Board
Mr. Victor Ohuruogu, Senior Africa Regional Manager, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data
Mr. Girmaw Abebe, Principal Research Scientist & Manager, Microsoft AI for Good Research Lab Nairobi
Ms. Leonida Mutuku, Research & AI Lead, Local Development Research Institute

Guiding questions:
What is your experience with AI for climate action?
Where do you see the biggest opportunities and the biggest challenges for the inclusive and just use of AI-powered tools for climate action in your country?
Which AI and machine learning applications have the largest potential for adaptation and mitigation action in Africa?
How can AI-powered climate solutions help enhance ambition and action in response to the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement?
How can we bolster international cooperation and partnerships on AI for climate action and which are the key actors to implement AI solutions on a larger scale?

10:35 - 10:50 | Discussion with the audience 

10:50 - 10:55 | In-room survey with participants on AI for climate action in Africa

10:55 - 11:00 | Wrap-up and closing
Ms. Ariesta Ningrum, Manager, Technology Sub-Division, UNFCCC Secretariat

Leveraging AI for Climate Action in Africa

 

During the recent Africa Climate Week, renowned experts assembled to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for amplifying climate action in Africa. Facilitated by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee (TEC) under the banner of #AI4ClimateAction, this dialogue aimed to provide a space for a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges of AI for addressing climate change in developing countries, and showcase examples of how AI is already being used for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the region.

Monique Motty from the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee set the tone for the session, heralding the day as an opportunity to talk about "artificial intelligence and applied machine learning as enablers for climate solutions.” Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, the Director of the Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division at the UN Climate Change Secretariat, echoed this sentiment, urging for "innovative and transformative solutions,” emphasizing the role of AI in fortifying early warning systems and advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency in Africa. Esra Al Hosani, representing the incoming COP 28 Presidency, highlighted the region's inherent resilience, urging an innovative approach that is “for Africa, by Africa,” while underlining the “inseparable bond between AI and proactive climate action.”

AI Innovations and Inclusive Solutions

Delving into the scope of AI, Bill Wright, the founder and chair of Enterprise Neurosystem, projected a future where a globally integrated network of sensors could enhance climate comprehension profoundly.

Kate Kallot, Amini's CEO, shared the strategy to leverage an extensive range of environmental data, applying AI and machine learning to foster regenerative agriculture practices. A move envisioned to benefit both governments and individual farmers through "a globally integrated network of sensors,” thereby “unearthing critical data” indispensable for a resilient future.

Multi-Faceted Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction

UNESCO's Alexandros Makarigakis brought to light the potential of the A8+ app, currently piloted in Eastern Africa, designed to offer “critical information to users during disasters.” With the convergence of AI, machine learning, and drone technology, UNESCO aims to craft early warning systems and community-centric risk reduction strategies.

Kenneth Mwangi spotlighted the integral role of stakeholder engagement in devising early warning systems, emphasizing a rich dataset drawn from diverse sources including drones and satellites, as pivotal in climate action strategies.

Overcoming Challenges and Bridging Gap

Fred Onduri, Vice-Chair of the CTCN Advisory Board discussed efforts to leverage AI and machine learning to develop climate solutions, highlighting both challenges and opportunities that least developed countries face in this regard.

Victor Ohuruogu, representing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, painted a vivid picture of the chasm between Africa's private and public sectors in terms of AI adoption. He accentuated the pressing need for refined infrastructure and skill acquisition in harnessing AI tools effectively.

Parallelly, Leonida Mutuku from the Local Development Research Institute emphasized the urgency to propel advancements in enhancing government capacities and fostering a regulated AI environment in Africa.

Girmaw Abebe from Microsoft's AI for Good Research Lab underscored the necessity for collaborative approaches to tackle climate challenges, pinpointing the “urgent need” to address existing gaps in solution development and data availability in Africa.

Forward-looking to COP28 and beyond

In her closing remarks, Ariesta Ningrum, Manager, UNFCCC Technology Sub-Division, reflected on the fruitful discourse, expressing gratitude to the panellists and attendees for their contributions. Closing on a note of anticipation, she visualized a future where AI-powered climate solutions would significantly augment ambitions and actions in response to the outcomes of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement.

Additional links:

AI for Climate Action: Technology Mechanism supports transformational climate solutions
Technology Mechanism Initiative on Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action