AI for a Changing World

We are living in an era where the scale, complexity, and speed of data generation about the world around us presents virtually infinite information, thanks to ever-evolving technologies including modern satellites providing 24/7 monitoring of our earth, drones surveying vast and largely inaccessible areas, and other forms of remote sensing. Traditional methods of analyzing environmental data are insufficient to meaningfully process it, let alone develop actionable insights for decision-makers.

At the Sabin Center, our Faculty Affiliates and Fellows are pushing the boundaries in the generation and application of artificial intelligence and computational sustainability to our most pressing environmental problems.

The Intelligent Remote Sensing in Conservation and Discovery Lab (IRSC) brings together faculty from Computer Sciences, Engineering, and Biology to advance work on critical issues including protected area management, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental degradation. The IRSC explores novel methods and applications for computational technology in the fields of conservation and ecology, including accurate satellite and drone image segmentation, data fusion, high performance computing solutions, and software development.

The IRSC’s work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in the Peruvian Amazon, helping not only to more accurately quantify the nature and scale of its environmental impact, but also to predict where new mining activity is likely to occur. And to ensure this technology is put to use by environmental stewards on the front lines, our Connecting Cultures [link to CC page] delegation of young Indigenous leaders receive training on drone usage for monitoring and protecting their territories in the Amazon. Hear more about their experience as reported by WFDD Public Radio.