On 17 March 2024, the Siyakhula Festival featured the “AI for Climate Research – a Call to Action!” workshop, an enlightening session that underscored the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in combating climate change. This workshop focused on AI’s transformative potential in climate science, hydrology, biodiversity conservation, and marine sciences.

The workshop was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Vogl, Regensburg (University of Applied Sciences, Germany) and participants explored how AI can analyse vast environmental data, improve predictive models, and enable sustainable practices. Through hands-on activities, attendees gained practical insights into applying AI tools to real-world scenarios, highlighting the importance of innovative technologies in developing adaptive strategies for global warming and environmental protection.

The workshop emphasised the urgency of leveraging AI for climate research and called for interdisciplinary collaboration to foster solutions ensuring a sustainable future. It not only informed but also inspired participants to engage actively in climate science, showcasing the Siyakhula Festival’s dedication to scientific innovation and global problem-solving.