AI for Earth and Sustainability Science | AI for Good Discovery - AI for humanity: Using earth observation for solving global challenges

In this talk, Kelsey will cover two projects related to tackling some of the humanity’s biggest challenges using AI and earth observation (EO). The first project targets quality education through work done on the Giga project. In December 2020, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reported that two-thirds (1.3 billion) of the world’s school-age children do not have internet connection in their homes. To combat this, the Giga Initiative was created, aiming to connect every school to the internet by 2030. Where traditionally, policy makers rely on prohibitively costly and timely surveys to capture the data required for a clear understanding of a country’s digital infrastructure, we present our methodology in collaboration with the ESA phi lab to leveraging Earth Observation data with machine learning to predict internet connectivity in schools in the Global South. Our work tackles the digital divide, leveraging the latest geospatial foundation models to support internet connectivity mapping from space. Our second project targets climate action. We highlight our sub-seasonal landslide impact forecasting model. The work was deployed in Nepal by the UN Humanitarian Country Team to support disaster preparedness in the region, using freely-available EO data. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify practical examples of how open EO datasets can be used in addressing sustainability and development challenges. Assess the advantages, limitations, and ethical implications of using machine learning with EO data for global development and disaster preparedness. Critically appraise how AI4EO methods can support policymakers and humanitarian organizations in decision-making. AI for Good is identifying innovative AI applications, building skills and standards, and advancing partnerships to solve global challenges. AI for Good is organized by ITU in partnership with over 50 UN partners and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland. Join the Neural Network! 👉https://aiforgood.itu.int/neural-network/ The AI for Good networking community platform powered by AI. Designed to help users build connections with innovators and experts, link innovative ideas with social impact opportunities, and bring the community together to solve global challenges using AI. 🔴 Watch the latest #AIforGood videos! https://www.youtube.com/c/AIforGood/videos 📩 Stay updated and join our weekly AI for Good newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gI2kJ5 🗞Check out the latest AI for Good news: https://aiforgood.itu.int/newsroom/ 📱Explore the AI for Good blog: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-for-good-blog/ 🌎 Connect on our social media: Website: https://aiforgood.itu.int/ X: https://twitter.com/AIforGood LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/26511907 LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8567748 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforgood Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIforGood Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the panelists and do not reflect the official policy of the ITU.