By Atoyebi Nike
A new report by the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can become a transformative tool for advancing climate action in developing nations facing acute climate risks.
The paper, launched on July 10, 2025, at the AI for Good Summit in Geneva by TEC Chair Dietram Oppelt, was produced in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and backed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency. It forms part of the Technology Mechanism’s broader AI4ClimateAction initiative.
Targeted at policymakers, scientists, and practitioners, the report outlines both the vast opportunities and significant challenges associated with integrating AI into climate strategies across low- and middle-income countries.
The paper identifies AI’s capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy efficiency, predictive analytics, and smart grid management. From optimising renewable energy deployment to analysing transport data for emissions reduction, AI-driven solutions are proving vital in climate mitigation.
It also highlights AI’s critical role in climate adaptation. AI models can enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, support urban resilience planning, and improve land and water management using satellite data and predictive technologies.
However, the report cautions that AI systems also pose risks. Without inclusive design, algorithms may reinforce social inequalities and generate biased outcomes. The environmental footprint of AI itself especially energy and water consumption raises sustainability concerns, particularly in resource-constrained regions.
Moreover, limited digital infrastructure, poor data access, and capacity shortages continue to hinder AI deployment in many developing nations. Weak data governance and cybersecurity further complicate adoption.
To address these issues, the TEC report recommends a set of priority actions: investing in digital infrastructure, expanding open-access climate data, designing ethical and inclusive AI systems, and creating governance frameworks that ensure fairness and accountability. The report also calls for international collaboration among governments, private sector actors, academia, and civil society to align regulatory standards and support local innovation.
If implemented, these actions could enable Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to harness AI as a catalyst for sustainable climate resilience and inclusive development.
