Julia Carvalho, General Manager for IBM Africa Growth Markets, recently highlighted the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against climate change. She stressed that data—critical for climate analysis and preparedness—remains a challenge in Nigeria, especially given the country’s struggle with data accessibility, reliability, and storage. This limitation has stymied efforts to mitigate climate impacts, particularly as climate-related disasters like floods continue to escalate. In 2022, the country saw severe flooding, which led to 662 fatalities, over 3,000 injuries, 2.5 million displacements, and the destruction of 200,000 homes.

According to Carvalho, AI-powered advancements are poised to bridge these data gaps, allowing for more effective climate research, forecasts, and decision-making. She emphasized that generative AI, through its use of machine learning and rapid data processing capabilities, can offer deeper insights into climate patterns and help address complex environmental issues. By automating and analyzing vast datasets, generative AI can improve how governments and organizations understand and respond to climate risks. For Nigeria, this means enhanced data-driven policies, better identification of decarbonization strategies, and a clear roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions.

Carvalho noted that although Nigeria has immense potential for leveraging AI, there are obstacles. Issues like fragmented data, complex regulations, and stringent sustainability requirements persist, all of which could be tackled with the aid of generative AI. She further advised that, to develop reliable AI solutions, collaboration among businesses, government, and experienced technology partners is essential. This collaboration would ensure the development of scalable and trustworthy AI tools tailored to the country’s specific climate challenges.