Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to address the growing challenges of water scarcity in the region, according to experts at the 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum (IREF), which opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The forum highlighted the expanding role of AI in climate adaptation and weather modification, showcasing its potential to optimize techniques like cloud seeding and enhance weather predictions.
At the forefront of the discussion was the ability of AI to provide highly accurate weather forecasts. By leveraging deep learning models, AI can analyze large volumes of meteorological data to predict weather patterns with precision.
This ability to accurately forecast conditions is crucial for identifying ideal moments for weather modification interventions, such as cloud seeding.
AI-driven models help forecasters track the movement and intensity of weather systems, pinpointing the most effective moments for intervention.
Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, Space42, emphasized the shift from reactive to proactive environmental strategies.
“We are moving from reacting to climate change to predicting and even inducing changes that can positively impact our environment,” said Al Hosani.
He pointed to the example of monitoring water temperatures and tracking bird migration patterns, such as those of albatrosses.
These seemingly unrelated phenomena can reveal broader environmental shifts, which AI can help connect, accelerating the process of understanding complex climate variables.
Bayanat, in collaboration with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi, is already using AI to study water temperature fluctuations and their effects on marine life. The company is also working with OceanX on research into microplastics in the oceans.
While these areas of study are not always directly linked to climate change, Al Hosani noted, they provide critical data that AI can process to uncover new insights and better understand the health of the environment.
Another key application of AI discussed at the forum was cloud seeding, a weather modification technique that aims to enhance rainfall in arid regions.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), elaborated on how AI is optimizing cloud seeding operations.
AI models can quickly analyze cloud features and provide recommendations on where and when to target seeding efforts. This rapid decision-making is essential since the lifespan of clouds is often short, requiring precise timing for the intervention to be effective.
While AI is already improving cloud seeding techniques, Dr. Al Mandous also mentioned that drones are being tested for seeding operations, though they are not yet fully operational.
AI’s role, however, is becoming increasingly integral to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring that each cloud’s potential is maximized.
The discussions at IREF underscored the transformative role AI can play in addressing water scarcity challenges, not just through weather modification but also by providing deeper insights into environmental changes.
With AI accelerating the ability to connect and interpret complex data, experts believe that the technology will be crucial in helping the region adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
As AI continues to advance, its potential to revolutionize the region’s approach to water management and climate resilience is becoming increasingly clear, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future.