Google Drives Global Nature Preservation Efforts With AI
More than half of global GDP—equivalent to $58tn—is at risk due to nature loss, according to PwC.
In response to this threat, Google has announced three new initiatives aimed at supporting environmental protection and restoration through the use of AI.
These efforts include an accelerator programme for startups, funding for AI-enabled conservation solutions, and an open-source AI model for identifying wildlife species.
With these AI-driven initiatives, Google is reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability. As Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google, notes: “This builds upon more than 15 years of investments in tools like our geospatial platform, Earth Engine, that enable partners, NGOs, governments and academics around the world to address nature and biodiversity loss.”
AI accelerator for nature-focused startups
Google is launching its first AI for Nature and Climate Accelerator, a 10-week programme designed for seed to Series A startups in Latin America (LATAM) and North America.
The programme provides founders with mentorship from Google and industry experts to address their biggest technical challenges.
Participants receive up to US$350,000 in Google Cloud credits and can access 30 days of free Cloud TPU usage through the TPU Research Cloud platform.
In addition to technical support, the accelerator includes workshops and deep dives into product design, customer acquisition and leadership development. Founders also gain access to key industry events and receive dedicated support from startup specialists.
The programme is set to begin in May 2025, with Google aiming to help emerging businesses leverage AI to tackle environmental challenges.
Grant fund for AI-powered conservation
Google.org, the company’s philanthropic arm, is providing $3m in funding to the Instituto Clima e Sociedade (iCS) to launch an open call for grant submissions.
The initiative focuses on supporting Brazilian nonprofits and research centres developing AI-driven solutions in three key areas:
Reversing biodiversity loss: Projects that align with the global 30x30 effort, which aims to protect 30% of Earth’s land and ocean by 2030 for biodiversity protection and the creation of protected areas and indigenous territories.
Bioeconomy development: Initiatives that enhance the value chains of timber and non-timber forest products, supporting socio-biodiversity in Brazil.
Regenerative agriculture: Solutions promoting sustainable and resilient farming practices, particularly for small-scale farmers.
Google’s Head of Sustainability for gTech, Robert Little, says: “These initiatives represent significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
By empowering startups, non-profits, and researchers, we can harness the power of AI to address critical environmental challenges.”
SpeciesNet: AI for wildlife monitoring
Google has also released SpeciesNet, an AI model designed to identify animal species from photos captured by camera traps.
Since 2019, thousands of wildlife biologists have used SpeciesNet via Wildlife Insights, a Google Cloud-based tool that helps streamline biodiversity monitoring and inform conservation efforts.
By making the SpeciesNet AI model openly available, Google aims to support tool developers, academics, and biodiversity-focused startups in scaling biodiversity monitoring efforts.
Mike Werner, Head of Sustainability Programmes and Innovation at Google, highlights its significance: “It is available to anyone working to advance the effective management of conservation areas and scaling biodiversity monitoring around the world.”
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