New AI Tool Launched to Safeguard Nature During Infrastructure Development
London, UK - In a significant stride towards sustainable development, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) has partnered with AECOM to launch a pioneering AI tool aimed at protecting natural habitats during the creation of infrastructure. Named the Nature Risk Tool, this cutting-edge technology is designed to offer a comprehensive analysis of any piece of land, providing vital insights into the natural features present.
The Nature Risk Tool utilises advanced data and artificial intelligence to review and describe habitats and biomes on selected land parcels. This information is expected to assist planners and policymakers in ensuring that new infrastructure projects are developed with minimal impact on the environment, a necessity given the growing concerns around habitat loss, biodiversity decline, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions often linked to construction activities.
Key features of the Nature Risk Tool include:
- Global Reach: The tool is capable of analysing land anywhere in the world, offering data-driven insights supported by expert-reviewed descriptions of the local environment.
- Early Detection: It identifies protected species during the initial site selection phase, enabling developers to integrate protective measures into their planning processes.
- Stakeholder Trust: It has been successfully trialled by prominent organisations such as the World Bank, BP, KPMG, WWF, Barclays, HSBC, and the Blue Dot Network, earning their endorsement.
Jennifer Jordan Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, expressed her enthusiasm, stating: “Nature is the engine of our economy, which is why it lies at the heart of our mandate, the Terra Carta. It is central to providing us with solutions for a sustainable future. Partnering with AECOM, we have been able to demonstrate the significant impact that infrastructure development can have on global biodiversity. This is why I am proud to be launching the SMI Nature Risk Tool, something we hope will have many use cases and that will act as a powerful resource for developers and policymakers worldwide as we work collectively to protect and restore harmony with Nature.”
Echoing her sentiments, Troy Rudd, CEO and head of the measurement and transparency task force at AECOM, added: “We are incredibly excited about this partnership with the Sustainable Market Initiative. By combining our expertise in infrastructure consulting with SMI’s commitment to sustainability, we are setting a new standard for how projects can be planned and executed with nature and biodiversity at the forefront. This collaboration not only enhances our ability to deliver innovative solutions but also underscores our shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future.”
The launch of the Nature Risk Tool comes at a crucial juncture, as global infrastructure development continues to expand. With this new tool, both the SMI and AECOM aim to set a benchmark in environmental protection, ensuring that economic development can proceed without compromising the health and biodiversity of our planet.
Source: Noah Wire Services