Geography

Data Considerations for AI Applications in Environmental Context

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The advancements and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) present a transformative opportunity to address pressing global environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. However, realizing AI's full potential in environmental services is contingent upon a robust and ethically sound data ecosystem. This article synthesizes existing literature to explore critical data considerations across four key dimensions: access, governance, quality, and ethics. Analysis reveals that while AI offers unprecedented capabilities for environmental monitoring, prediction, and management, significant challenges persist in data fragmentation, proprietary barriers, quality inconsistencies, and the inherent ethical complexities of AI deployment. Overarching opportunities lie in fostering open data initiatives, developing adaptive governance frameworks, implementing inclusive data curation and preprocessing, and prioritizing human-centered, sustainable AI development. The article concludes with strategic recommendations aimed at cultivating a collaborative, transparent, and equitable data infrastructure essential for harnessing AI effectively for a healthier planet. The text only may be used under licence CC BY 4.0. All other elements (illustrations, imported files) may be subject to specific use terms. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Publication Title

Field Actions Science Report

Publication Date

2026

Issue

Special Report

First Page

34

Last Page

39

ISSN

1867-139X

DOI

2-s2.0-105042145961

Keywords

AI, artificial intelligence, AI development, strategic recommendations, data infrastructure, environment

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