Harnessing generative artificial intelligence to support nature-based solutions.
Abstract
The ongoing biodiversity and climate change crises require society to adopt nature-based solutions that integrate and enhance ecosystems. To achieve successful implementation of nature-based solutions, it is vital to communicate scientific information about their benefits and suitability. This article explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) as a tool for automating and scaling up science communication, outreach, and extension for nature-based solutions. To illustrate the potential of GenAI, we present three case study examples; (1) reporting scientific information on ecosystem services, future land use options, and nature-based solutions for farms (2) interactively providing guidance in response to homeowner questions about biodiversity-friendly garden design and (3) visualising potential future scenarios of landscape change that incorporate diverse nature based and technological solutions. These examples demonstrate potential applications which may be relevant to other systems and types of nature-based solutions. While GenAI for nature-based solutions offers significant opportunities, this new technology brings risks of bias, false information, data privacy, mistrust, and high energy usage. Alongside technological development, we require integrated social research into ethics, public acceptability, and user experience, to maximise the benefits of GenAI while limiting these risks. GenAI offers an opportunity to accelerate the dissemination of nature-based design strategies and reach a broader audience, by synthesising information and producing tailored content for specific users and locations. By harnessing the power of GenAI alongside human expertise, we can support nature-based solutions to tackle the complex challenges of future sustainability. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.