Artificial Intelligence for Climate Action: Advancing Mitigation and Adaptation in Developing Countries
UNFCCC
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Abstract: This technical paper, developed by the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee under the AI4ClimateAction initiative, provides an in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to advance climate action in developing countries?especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It explores over 50 AI applications in areas such as early warning systems, climate modeling, biodiversity monitoring, emission forecasting, energy optimization, transport management, disaster response, and education. It also examines associated risks including energy consumption, data inequality, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity, and the digital divide. The paper offers policy recommendations for digital infrastructure development, inclusive AI governance, gender-responsive design, and regional AI innovation capacity, positioning AI as a scalable enabler of adaptation and mitigation across vulnerable geographies.