Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a lightning rod topic of conversation and energy from the streets, to board rooms, and to governments around the world.

What is going on? Where did AI come from? Why does AI matter to the future of the planet?

There are seemingly endless media stories and news articles and public opinions on the goings-on of AI, and as many opinions and answers as there are questions. Scientist and AI Leader Emily Soward will cut to the point on the current state of AI and raise awareness of near and far term challenges for planet Earth. 

We will look at case studies to understand:
*where AI is best being used
*limitations of AI and how scientists are addressing them
* where AI came from including what motivates AI in the first place

Through these studies we will contextualize AI’s relevance across the disciplines of conservation, ecology, sustainability, security, and privacy. Walk away with a brighter understanding of the AI landscape, insights into why it matters for our shared global future, and top tips for making informed decisions when evaluating externalities for AI use.

No AI, technical, conservation, or security experience needed!

Emily Soward works for Amazon Web Services and is the founding Vice President, Board of Directors for The Ecological Archive, a 501c3 dedicated to advancing research intersecting AI and ecology. She provides technical and strategic leadership in safety, security, trust, and privacy for AI systems and advances research around thorny issues in implementing technology that can benefit the planet by contributing to open science and open security initiatives.