Transforming Earth Observation data into impact with mapping and AI

Where is the “ChatGPT for the Earth”?

Despite the recent rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its potential to address critical environmental issues has yet to be realized. In this talk, Dr. Ben Strong, Lead Scientist at the nonprofit Earth Genome, discusses the untapped potential of AI in tackling pressing environmental challenges through organizing, analyzing, and communicating environmental data.

As a case study, Dr. Strong presents Earth Genome’s groundbreaking "Earth Index'' platform. Earth Index rethinks environmental monitoring by leveraging large AI foundation models. This monitoring approach enables any user â€" regardless of technical background â€" to create actionable, locally fine-tuned maps of environmental impact through iterative human-in-the-loop training of custom machine learning models. Earth Index’s practical applications are vast, ranging from tracking gold mining in the Amazon to uncovering previously unmapped Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in the American South. The value of this approach is demonstrated by real world impact, including collaborations with indigenous groups, journalists, and other NGOs.

Through the lens of Earth Genome's experiences, Dr. Strong makes a case for the necessity of foundational AI research and cross-sector collaborations between academia, nonprofits, and other industries. This talk is a journey into how AI can be a pivotal tool in environmental mapping and action, leading to significant on-the-ground impacts.

Speaker: Ben Strong, Earth Genome

Room: Hartley Conference Center, 1st Floor