The Nature Conservancy views artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool that can help strengthen our work to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss—if it is used responsibly.
At TNC, AI is used to augment human expertise, not replace it. Every application is guided by human oversight, scientific judgment, and clear governance. It is already strengthening conservation science, improving environmental monitoring, and helping teams work more efficiently on mission-critical projects and operational areas. Some of these include enhancing bio-acoustic wildlife monitoring; analyzing fishing vessel videos to protect marine biodiversity and support sustainability; and advancing remote ecosystem assessments related to fire planning, wildlife migrations, disease tracking and treatment zones for invasive species.
At the same time, AI systems and the infrastructure that supports them—including data centers, energy systems, and water resources—place real pressure on nature, climate and communities and must be properly planned and governed.
At TNC we assess AI use and will engage with infrastructure development on a case-by-case basis, considering real-world implications, such as energy and water demands, ecological effects, whether people most affected have a meaningful voice in decisions, and long-term environmental outcomes. We believe the priority should always be to avoid harm, minimize risk, and support mitigation and restoration wherever impacts cannot be avoided. That means setting limits and being clear about tradeoffs. When helping to shape policies, practices and infrastructure choices, we will work to find solutions that strengthen and protect nature and local communities.
Artificial intelligence is an emerging powerful force in how society works. AI alone will not solve the climate and biodiversity crises. But when used thoughtfully, transparently, and with strong safeguards, it can help people and nature thrive—and help us move faster and more effectively toward a more sustainable and equitable future.