Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action in Developing Countries: Opportunities, Challenges and Risks

Year Published

2023

Contributing Organizations

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Type of Resource

Research/Insights Report

Languages

English

Relevant Topics

Core Topic

Risks & Opportunities: The Business Case

Topic 2

Mitigation

Topic 3

Adaptation & Resilience

Target Audience

Education Providers / Think Tanks / NGOs

Advisors & Consultants

Governments & Policymakers

MDBs/DFIs

Relevant Geography

Africa

Asia & the Pacific

Central Asia

Middle East and North Africa

Latin America and the Caribbean

Oceania

Resource Description

This resource examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can support climate action in developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS, outlining applications, opportunities, and risks.

Why This Matters

AI offers major potential to boost resilience and cut emissions, but requires careful, equitable deployment in developing countries.

Key Insights

Adaptation: AI enables climate modeling, early warning, agriculture, water management, biodiversity, and land-use monitoring
Mitigation: Supports GHG tracking, energy and transport optimization, and MRV for carbon markets
Case studies: Ethiopia (early warning), Kenya (crop yields), Viet Nam (forest monitoring)
Risks: digital divides, weak data, cybersecurity issues, social bias, and energy/water demands
Some AI uses, like fossil fuel exploration or disinformation, can worsen climate risks
The #AI4ClimateAction Initiative builds capacity and awareness under the UNFCCC

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