One of the world's richest people is awarding $100 million in grants to AI solutions to tackle climate change and nature loss.
On Tuesday, Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund announced the AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. Seeking proposals on what “modern AI” should be It can be used to “cope with climate change and nature loss.” The Bezos Earth Fund said in a statement that the challenge also aims to “encourage deeper collaboration” between environmental organizations and AI developers.
“Can modern AI help combat climate change and nature loss? If so, how? That's the question we want to answer.” bezossaid the Earth Fund's executive chairman in a statement. “By bringing together the best people in each field, we may be able to invent a new path forward.”
The Grand Challenge will take place over multiple rounds, with two funding opportunities in each round. In the first round, he will focus on three areas: “sustainable proteins, biodiversity conservation and power grid optimization.” In the first round of funding, up to 30 seed grants will be awarded during New York City Climate Week in September, the foundation said. In the second phase of funding, winners will be able to apply for grants of up to $2 million to fund their proposals, as well as receive mentorship and access to the necessary infrastructure . The Fund does not accept proposals from individuals.
“AI may have the potential to solve some of our biggest problems, and we are inviting some of the brightest problem solvers on the planet to come forward with their visionary ideas. We are calling on you to do so,” said Loren Sanchez, vice president of the Earth Fund, in a statement. “Together, we can innovate and solve these challenges.”
In November 2020, Bezos announced the first recipients of the Earth Fund. Dedicates $10 billion to tackling climate change.Bezos received a total of $791 million in awards to 16 organizations, including the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The world's largest supporter of climate action.
But critics of the fund accuse Amazon of trying to “greenwash” its carbon footprint and point out that well-funded groups are often chosen over grassroots ones.