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 Asia and Pacific 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.  

Format

The events will start with a scene-setting presentation on opportunities and challenges of AI for addressing climate change in developing countries, in particular in LDCs and SIDS. This will be followed by presentations on how AI is already being used for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the region. During a subsequent panel discussion different perspectives on opportunities and challenges of AI for climate action will be shared. Participants will then be invited to contribute their views during a moderated discussion. The event will be rounded off with a real-time online survey to capture views of all participants in a quantitative and qualitative manner.

11:30 - 11:35 | Welcome by the Moderator
Ms. Diana Ramos, Technology Executive Committee (TEC) Liaison Officer - UNIDO

11:35 - 11:45 | Opening Remarks
Mr. Donald Cooper, Director, Transparency, UNFCCC Secretariat
Representative of the incoming UNFCCC COP 28 Presidency (tbc)

11:45 - 11:55 | Scene setting presentation: AI for climate action in developing countries
Mr. Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem

11:55 - 12:40 | Presentations: AI-powered climate solutions in Asia & Pacific
-     AI-powered decarbonization platform
      Ms.Naina Verghese, Director of Strategy & Growth, Unravel Carbon
-     Biosphere reserves and adaptative measures – options to use AI for climate action
      Mr. Ryuichi Fukuhara, Techncal Advisor for Natural Sciences, UNESCO Regional Office
-     High-Carbon Stock Approach for forest conservation and climate mitigation
      Dr. Ruth Schmidt, Advisor, FAIR Forward-Artificial Intelligence for All, Economic and Social Development, Digitalization, GIZ
-     Innovation for a Sustainable Future: AIIB’s AI-powered Solutions & Initiatives for Climate Action
      Yingrou Zhu, AI Processes, Climate/Environment,  Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

12:40 - 13:10 | Panel discussion: Opportunities and challenges of AI for climate action in Asia & Pacific
Mr. Ping Zhong, Member, Technology Executive Committee
Mr. Bill Wright, Founder and Chair, Enterprise Neurosystem
Mr. Fernando Barrio, Director of Internationalisation, Queen Mary University of London
Ms. Karlina Octaviany, Advisor, Economic and Social Development, Digitalization, GIZ
Dr. Mohd Adib Ibrahim, Director, Solar Energy Research Institute, The National University of Malaysia
Mr. Dennis Mombauer, Director, Research & Knowledge Management, SYLCAN Trust Global

Guiding questions:

• - Where do you see the biggest opportunities and the biggest challenges for the inclusive and just use of AI-powered tools for climate action?
  - Which AI and machine learning applications have the largest potential for adaptation and mitigation action in Asia & Pacific?
  - 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?

13:10 - 13:20 | Discussion with the audience

13:20 - 13:25 | Real-time survey by participants on AI for climate action in Asia & Pacific

13:25 - 13:30 | Wrap-up and closing
Ms. Bhava Dhungana, Programme Officer, Technology Sub-Division, UNFCCC Secretariat

Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action is gaining momentum