"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
5 Jan 2023
The Amazon rainforest often referred to as the "lungs of the earth," is a vital component of the global ecosystem, providing numerous environmental and economic benefits. However, the rainforest has been under threat for decades due to deforestation, illegal logging, and fires. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to save the Amazon in a number of ways.
One way AI is being utilized is through the development of machine learning algorithms that can detect illegal logging and deforestation. These algorithms analyze satellite imagery to identify changes in the forest canopy, such as clearings or the appearance of roads, which can indicate illegal activity. This information can then be used by authorities and conservation organizations to take action and halt the destruction.
Another way technology is helping is through the use of drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles can fly over the rainforest, capturing high-resolution images and collecting data on the health of the forest and its wildlife. AI algorithms can then analyze this data to identify areas in need of conservation efforts or to monitor the success of those efforts.
AI is also being used to predict and prevent fires in the Amazon. By analyzing historical data on fire patterns and weather conditions, AI algorithms can predict where and when fires are most likely to occur. This information can be used by authorities to deploy firefighting resources to high-risk areas and prevent fires from spreading.
Surely AI is helping us in our venture to save mother earth, but that doesn't mean we should loosen our shoulders. The use of AI should only act as an inspiration for us to do more for the environment. As Niels Wielaard, CEO of Satelligence – one of the tech’s leading users for forest monitoring – puts it: “AI is not a magic wand. It can’t save the planet on its own. But humans can.