Our Planet

Human activity is pushing the planet beyond safe limits. In the atmosphere, rising greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and deforestation are driving dangerous climate shifts, from record heatwaves and floods to prolonged droughts and wildfires. These changes disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and human health on a global scale. At the same time, humanity is overstepping critical boundaries in nature and the oceans. Rapid loss of biodiversity, degraded forests and soils, and collapsing marine ecosystems all threaten the systems that sustain life. Research on planetary boundaries shows that climate, nature, and oceans are deeply interconnected – restoring balance in one area depends on protecting them all. Even though AI today comes with significant energy use and material demands, it can be an important part of the solution. Innovation in technology, materials, and clean energy must advance in parallel to ensure a truly sustainable future for AI. Even though AI today comes with significant energy use and material demands, it can be an important part of the solution. Investments and innovation in technology, materials, and clean energy must advance in parallel to ensure a truly sustainable future for AI.

Challenge 01

Oceans of the Future

Challenge 02

AI for a living earth

Challenge 01

Oceans of the Future

Challenge in collaboration with Andrew Marrie, researcher at the Stockholm Resilience Centre & Planethon.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, generate half of the oxygen we breathe, and absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide. Yet they are under severe threat from rising temperatures, acidification, plastic pollution, and collapsing biodiversity. Alarmingly, we have already crossed the planetary boundaries for both ocean systems and coral reefs. Although vast open datasets exist, including data on temperature trends, sea level rise, marine ecosystems, and pollution, the real challenge lies in transforming this information into actionable insights that can drive meaningful solutions.

Assignment

Build an AI solution that can:

Analyze open marine data to make visible the effects of climate change on the oceans.
Identify risk zones (e.g., for coral bleaching, overfishing, plastic pollution).
Visualize future scenarios - what do the oceans look like in 2030, 2050?
Apply AI in other creative ways to support ocean health and marine biodiversity.
(Bonus) Combine with policy or fisheries data to provide concrete recommendations.

Output

A prototype (dashboard, AI assistant, interactive map, or simulation) that shows how the oceans are affected – and what we can do.
A short pitch showing how the solution can be used by researchers, decision-makers, or the public.

Data sources and tools

Use the document link below to explore models, datasets, and toolkits.

Data sources

Approaches

Below are example approaches to spark ideas. Feel free to explore any solution that tackles the challenge effectively.

Marine climate map: An AI-driven visualization that predicts where sea-level rise will hit coastal cities hardest.
Coastal protection simulator – A tool where municipalities can test different scenarios for coastal protection against sea-level rise (levees, wetland restoration).
Fish-stock watch – AI that combines fisheries data with ecosystem models to identify where overfishing is occurring – in real time.

Challenge 02

AI for a living earth

Humanity is pushing the planet beyond its safe operating space. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean degradation are accelerating – threatening ecosystems and the foundations of life as we know it. To change course, we must use every tool available, including science, innovation, and the power of AI.

This challenge invites participants to imagine and build AI solutions that help us live within the planet’s boundaries – protecting the climate, restoring nature, and securing healthy oceans for generations to come.

Assignment

Develop an AI-driven solution within one of the following focus areas:

Climate: Reduce emissions, support adaptation, or model the effects of a changing climate.
Nature: Protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, or prevent habitat loss.
Oceans: Monitor ocean health, reduce pollution, or enable sustainable marine use.
Or combine them — the planet’s challenges are deeply connected.

Output

A prototype (app, dashboard, AI assistant, or data model) that demonstrates your idea in action and addresses the challenge.
A short video (1–2 minutes) that explains your solution – what problem it addresses, how it works, and the potential impact it could have.

Data sources and tools

Use the document link below to explore models, datasets, and toolkits, but don’t hesitate to explore other sources as well.

Data sources

Approaches

Below are example approaches to spark ideas. Feel free to explore any solution that tackles the challenge effectively.

AI Climate Forecaster – Use satellite and emissions data to show where emissions originate and how they change over time, highlighting hotspots and where action matters most.‍
AI Nature Watcher – Use open satellite and environmental data to track how nature changes over time — where forests recover, green areas shrink, or wetlands disappear — and highlight where protection or restoration is most needed.‍
Plastic Tracker – Develop a map or chatbot that helps people understand where ocean plastic comes from and what actions can reduce it.‍
Planetary Dashboard – Create a global overview that links data on climate, nature, and oceans to show how one system affects the others.

Our Planet

Oceans of the Future

Assignment

Output

Data sources and tools

Approaches

AI for a living earth

Assignment

Output

Data sources and tools

Approaches

Jury

Prizes