TECH & AI
We are dependent on biodiversity for many things – food , water , medicine , a stable climate and economic growth among others – but are not very good at looking after it .
Supporting and sustaining biodiversity is a key part of global sustainability , however there is not a one-sizefits-all approach .
Drew Purves , Sustainability and Biodiversity Co-Lead at Google DeepMind , Google ’ s AI arm , and Robert Hoddenbach , Global Director of Climate & Nature Markets at geodata leader Fugro , both believe that technology can have a positive impact on biodiversity .
Can AI be a tool for sustainable good ? Before joining Google Deepmind in 2015 and after gaining his PhD from the University of York , Drew spent time at Princeton University , the University of Cambridge , Microsoft Research , the British Ecological Society and University College London . Having begun his studies in ecology and biodiversity , his continued focus has always been on how technology can positively impact the environment .
“ In the long run , I believe that AI is one of the most promising technologies for addressing environmental challenges ,” says Drew .
After taking some time to work in the fundamental AI research teams at Google Deepmind , Drew is using those foundations to benefit the environment .
Drew Purves , Sustainability & Biodiversity Co – Lead , Google DeepMind
84 August 2024