Exploring Complex Systems, Climate Challenges, and Intelligent Solutions
AI & Environmental Sciences
Understanding our multi-layered environment is one of the defining challenges of our time. From interconnected ecosystems to human infrastructure and behavior, the relationships shaping our world are complex, dynamic, and increasingly stressed by climate change. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are opening new frontiers—enabling researchers to analyze vast datasets, model intricate systems, and develop innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
This interdisciplinary workshop invites researchers, faculty, and students to join the conversation and deepen our understanding of socio-environmental systems. We are convening voices from AI, environmental science, engineering, and the social sciences engaged with cutting-edge research at the intersection of climate science and AI, examining both the transformative potential and the societal implications of these technologies.
Key topics include:
- Extreme environmental events across earth, water, air, and fire systems
- Human dimensions: agriculture, health, labor, and displacement
- Built infrastructure resilience and adaptation strategies
- Energy systems transformation and sustainability
- AI ethics, governance, and equitable innovation
The workshop will feature expert-led sessions on Extreme Events and AI, Environment & Health, Energy Systems, and AI Ethics, combining keynote insights with rapid-fire contributions from regional and university researchers. Designed to foster collaboration, the event will highlight both risks and opportunities associated with deploying AI in environmental contexts.
Agenda:
9:00 AM - Arrival and Light Breakfast
9:45 AM - Panel I: Extreme Events & AI
Auroop Ganguly (NEU, PNNL), Quinn Thomas (VT), Kathleen Schiro (UVA), Negin Alemazkoor (UVA)
11:15 AM - Panel II: AI Ethics for the Environment
Gabrielle Waters (VSU), Tom Hartvigsen (UVA), Dorothy Leidner (UVA)
12:30 PM - Lunch
01:15 PM - Panel III: Energy & AI
Damian Pitt (VCU), Joao Ferreira (UVA) Mike Lennox (UVA)
02:45 PM - Panel IV: Environment, Health, & AI
Harshadeep Rao (World Bank), Peter Vikesland (VT), Jonathan Colmer (UVA), Abhijin Adiga (UVA)
04:00 PM - Summary & Closing Remarks
