Artificial intelligence (AI) could help us solve some of today’s most pressing environmental and development challenges by accelerating research and supporting the deployment of critical solutions. But it also brings unprecedented challenges, from surging energy use to potential job loss. To steer AI toward real value and away from harm, it’s critical that companies and organizations learn how to use this technology responsibly.

At WRI, our Approach to Responsible AI is grounded in our commitment to putting people and the planet first and being clear about the risks and opportunities new technologies bring. The Applied AI group, housed within WRI’s Data Lab, puts these commitments into action.

We work on 3 main workstreams: 

  • Experimentation: We explore different ideas for using artificial intelligence responsibly to accelerate solutions that benefit people, nature and climate.
  • Productization: Once tested, turn promising AI ideas into working products and tools
  • Evaluation: We test the product’s real-world impact and share our learnings openly 

We know that not every experiment will be successful, and that’s okay. We put a strong emphasis on learning, with a process that allows us to explore a broad slate of ideas in a lightweight way. This helps us to identify and assess experiments with the most potential for responsible development and positive impact, while always keeping in mind energy use and financial costs.

We are moving beyond polarized forecasts on the future of AI and instead taking action to shape it responsibly, so it can help build a better future for people and the planet.

Stay tuned to learn about WRI’s AI experiments and tools, our learnings, and the stories behind them.