Google has announced three new initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring nature using artificial intelligence (AI). These efforts build on more than 15 years of investment in geospatial tools like Google Earth Engine, empowering governments, NGOs, and researchers to combat biodiversity loss.
AI for Nature and Climate Accelerator
Google has launched its AI for Nature and Climate Accelerator, a 10-week program designed to support early-stage startups using AI for environmental conservation. The program, open to startups in North America and LATAM, offers:
- Technical mentorship from Google and industry experts
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- 30 days of free Cloud TPU access
- Workshops on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership
The accelerator is set to begin in May 2025 and aims to advance innovative AI-driven solutions for climate and nature conservation.
$3 Million AI Grant Fund for Nonprofits
Google.org has pledged $3 million to iCS to support AI-powered environmental projects in Brazil. The funding will go to nonprofits and research centers working on:
- Biodiversity conservation – Solutions aligned with the 30×30 Global Biodiversity Framework
- Bioeconomy support – Strengthening sustainable value chains for timber and non-timber forest products
- Regenerative agriculture – Helping small farmers adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices
These grants aim to leverage AI to drive impactful environmental solutions.
SpeciesNet: AI for Wildlife Conservation
Google has released SpeciesNet, an AI model that identifies animal species from camera trap photos. Since 2019, Wildlife Insights, a Google Cloud-based tool, has helped thousands of wildlife biologists monitor biodiversity.
Now, SpeciesNet is available to tool developers, researchers, and conservation organizations, allowing them to scale biodiversity monitoring efforts worldwide.
A Step Towards a Greener Future
Robert Little, Google’s Head of Sustainability for gTech, stated, “By empowering startups, non-profits, and researchers, we can harness the power of AI to address critical environmental challenges.”
With these new AI-driven initiatives, Google continues to play a crucial role in advancing global conservation efforts and promoting sustainable development.
