Executive Summary

Drawn from Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) held in October of 2023, this paper’s findings and analysis synthesize insights from the panel session “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions to Combat Climate Change” and supplementary research. The paper highlights the significant role AI plays in addressing the urgent and complex challenge of climate change, presenting findings and recommendations essential for enhancing Qatar’s national sustainability goals and fostering local and regional initiatives. 

AI has emerged as a pivotal technology in combating climate change. Its potential to process vast data sets, make accurate predictions, and optimize resource utilization offers a promising solution to the environmental challenges posed  by climate change. Qatar’s initial adoption of a national  AI strategy, crafted in collaboration with the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) as part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), signifies a crucial and positive step toward recognizing AI’s instrumental role in steering the nation toward a more sustainable future. However, it is acknowledged that much more is required to fully realize the potential and impact of AI in addressing the complexities of climate change. 

International climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Educational, Scientific  and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, show the importance of aligning technological advancements with global environmental responsibilities. These agreements emphasize the need for ethical and responsible AI deployment to address climate change, highlighting AI’s significant role in fostering sustainability. Industries worldwide are leveraging AI across sectors like academia, transportation, waste management, and energy, manifesting a notable shift toward environmentally conscious practices. However, challenges in implementing AI solutions persist, from vague policy frameworks to public resistance to change, demanding collaborative, innovative, and tailored approaches for successful integration. 

This comprehensive research analysis offers a strategic framework to overcome these challenges. It emphasizes the significance of robust policy structures, the accessibility of diverse AI solutions, public awareness, and a significant investment in infrastructure. The collaboration of government, academia, and the private sector is pivotal to driving innovation and establishing clearer guidelines for the strategic integration of AI in mitigating the impact of climate change. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges the importance of the United Nations (UN) led AI Advisory Body, industry initiatives, and country-specific efforts, such as Qatar’s strategy to decarbonize the  oil and gas sector. It acknowledges the global trend where  AI technology is recognized as one of the innovative approaches to combat climate change, emphasizing its versatile and impactful role in addressing multifaceted environmental challenges across countries and industries.

The paper acknowledges key contributors, speakers, and those who compiled and researched the findings. The active involvement of various stakeholders, government bodies,  and industry leaders has significantly contributed to this critical discourse.