Google’s Commitment to Planetary Conservation
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Thriving ecosystems power thriving communities. From the food we eat to the future of our economies, human wellbeing and opportunity are deeply tied to the health of our planet.
But these vital natural systems are at risk. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that wildlife populations have declined by 73% since 1970, and the World Economic Forum ranks biodiversity loss as one of the greatest risks to global stability over the next ten years.
For more than two decades, we’ve been providing a clearer view of our changing planet with tools like Google Earth and Google Earth Engine.Building on that foundation, we’re working harder than ever to help support the worldwide initiative to protect and conserve 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 (30×30), leveraging environmental data and AI technologies to help nature and people flourish together.
three ways we’re accelerating global action for our planet
We believe AI offers a tremendous opportunity to empower people everywhere to protect and restore nature. Here are three ways we’re helping.
1. Visualizing our planet and connecting the dots
You can’t protect what you can’t see. We’re building technologies that can give everyone an unprecedented view of our planet by turning petabytes of satellite, climate and ecosystem data into a single, consistent picture of change.
Our recently-launched Google Earth AI is built on a new AI model that lets you explore the planet in entirely new ways. It’s like having a virtual time machine,allowing you to see how landscapes have changed over decades. You can even answer questions like “How have forests changed in Madagascar since 1985?” and receive an instant, data-driven response.
2. Monitoring ecosystems at scale
Understanding the health of our planet requires constant monitoring. We’re using AI to analyze vast datasets – from satellite imagery to acoustic sensors – to track critical ecosystems and identify threats in near real-time.
For example,we’re collaborating with organizations like Conservation International to use AI to monitor coral reefs. By analyzing underwater images, we can quickly assess reef health and identify areas that need immediate attention. This allows conservationists to focus their efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact.
3. Empowering conservationists with AI tools
We’re not just building AI tools; we’re putting them directly into the hands of those working on the front lines of conservation. We’re providing grants and technical expertise to organizations around the world,helping them use AI to address their biggest challenges.
One example is our partnership with WildTrack. They’re using AI to identify individual animals from their footprints, helping to track endangered species and combat poaching. This non-invasive method provides crucial data without disturbing wildlife.
These are just a few examples of how we’re using AI to accelerate global action for our planet. We’re committed to continuing this work, and we believe that by working together, we can create a more lasting future for all.