Amid efforts to address environmental challenges, Google DeepMind Climate Action Lead Sims Witherspoon believes that artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role. Witherspoon emphasizes the importance of framing the solution through thoughtful questioning. At the Wired Impact Conference in London, Witherspoon expressed optimism in addressing climate change through AI, seeing it as a scientific and technological challenge. Google recently merged its Brain and DeepMind AI teams under the name Google DeepMind. Witherspoon proposed a three-step framework called “Understand, Optimize, Accelerate” for tackling climate change with AI. This involves engaging with those affected, assessing AI’s applicability, and deploying a solution for impactful change. Witherspoon highlighted the need for collaboration, involving academics, regulatory bodies, corporations, NGOs, and impacted communities. Google DeepMind collaborated with the U.K.’s National Weather Service Meteorological Office to analyze rainfall in the U.K. using AI. Their methods were favored by meteorological experts, ranking as their top choice over traditional methods. Witherspoon emphasized the accessibility of the source code data and verification methods. However, she also warned that AI is not a universal solution and should be deployed responsibly, considering its environmental impact. The energy-intensive processes of AI models can contribute to carbon emissions until the grid operates on carbon-free energy. The environmental impact of AI models has been a concern, with one model consuming energy equivalent to 123 cars for a year and generating 552 tons of CO2.