If successful, GenAI could support climate adaptation by integrating spatial datasets about climate risks and impacts, simulating the costs and benefits of nature-based solutions, and synthesising databases of scientific literature. GenAI technology could provide written reports, answer questions from landowners in real time through a chatbot interface, and create photorealistic visualisations to help communicate options more clearly.
GenAI is a new technology with many ethical, legal, and practical concerns. All uses of AI require careful ethical consideration, particularly in relation to issues of Māori data governance and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. Our research will conduct an analysis of global and kaupapa Māori ethics to develop guidelines for climate change GenAI that are ethically and socially responsible. We will conduct extensive surveys of potential end users to discover their needs and concerns, and test the platform with people working on the ground. This research considers the potential impact of GenAI on climate change decisions across scales, ranging from the local to the international.
The use of GenAI to communicate climate adaptation information will provide valuable information to help Aotearoa - New Zealand adapt to climate change. The technology holds potential to support rural communities in understanding and responding to climate risks, and help uncover new economic opportunities for farmers.
Publications
Richards DR, Worden D, Song XP, Lavorel S (2024). Harnessing generative artificial intelligence to support nature-based solutions. People and Nature 6, 882-893. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10622
Collaboration
Research into the ethical and responsible application of GenAI to meet environmental challenges requires collaboration. We are pleased to work with Dr. Karaitiana Taiuru (Taiuru and Associates) and Dr. Sandra Lavorel (CNRS).
