Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Climate Governance: Legal Innovations and Challenges in Environmental Law
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: I.INTRODCTION Climate change, a gift of man's unprecedented growth and development, has become the worst enemy of the current and the coming generation.It affects the quality of life and places man on backfoot.It is a setback to the planet earth.The global phenomenon of climate change has become increasingly pronounced, resulting in myriad challenges ranging from extreme weather events to ecosystem disruptions. 1 Global temperature has risen by nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, as per the IPCC, resulting in more intense, frequent, and severe heat waves, storms, and other extreme weather. 2 This has caused great disturbance in the ecosystem and our home, which we call as 'environment'.It has another significant implication, the violation of environmental rights and the relevant laws concerning the environment.The accelerating climate crisis demands not only scientific and technological innovation but also robust legal frameworks capable of enforcing environmental protections, regulating emissions, and guiding sustainable development.The traditional approach to mitigate this climate change issue is to adapt new policies and sustainable practices.However, at the growth the issue is being proliferated, some sustainable practices and scattered policies will not be sufficient to cater to the needs of a healthy environment.Here, the role of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence becomes paramount.According to Britannica, artificial intelligence (AI), is the ability of a digital computer or computercontrolled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.It has the abilities to do the tasks efficiently and much more conveniently.It is being increasingly used in development of new technologies.In the context of environmental protection and climate change adaptations, research has proved that A.I. has great potential.In spheres such as climate science, regulations, and practice in the processing of huge amounts of data, allocation of resources and evidence-based decision-making, the artificial intelligence can be used to bring great change.Another advantage of using A.I. is the conservation of time, which is an urgent need of the hour, as the pace with which the issue of climate change is being accelerated, every moment is crucial.Thus, in that sphere, again, A.I. can yet again, be just the solution we have been asking for.However, on the other hand, among the AI applications strengths, there are of course the ethical, social and environmental problems related to their use in climate change solutions.3 This chapter, thus delves into the dynamic relationship between AI and the climate crisis.It outlines the diverse roles AI can play in climate science, mitigation, and adaptation, examines real-world applications, and critically assesses the risks and limitations of AI-based interventions.By doing so, it aims to provide a holistic understanding of how AI can support a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future-if deployed thoughtfully and inclusively, protecting environmental rights. II.LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CLIMATE GOVERNANCE Climate change is not a new concept, it has been recognized in different environmental conventions and world conferences headed by the then global leaders who identified the threat of the climate change looming over our home, planet earth like a dark cloud.Climate governance is rooted in a complex web of international agreements, national legislation, and local regulatory frameworks The first environmental conference, the Stockholm Conference, in 1972, however did not pay much attention to climate change.
Author: Simranpreet Kaur
Institution: Guru Nanak Dev University
Language: English
Topic: Environmental law and policy
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411093039