Date: May 23, 2018

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST

Duration: 1 hr

ABSTRACT

Time is too short, and resources too thin, to find solutions to our environmental sustainability challenges without the exponential power and assistance of AI. This webinar introduces Microsoft’s new $50m 5 year AI for Earth program, dedicated to deploying Microsoft’s AI resources towards environmental challenges. I will describe the growing body of work in this program, and highlight specific projects, including the use of deep neural networks for creating high resolution land cover maps – a project in collaboration with the GIS company ESRI and the Chesapeake Conservancy, an environmental technology focused nonprofit in the United States.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

As Microsoft’s first Chief Environmental Scientist, Dr Lucas Joppa oversees AI for Earth, a cross-company program dedicated to deploying Microsoft’s deep investments in AI research and technology in the four key areas of climate change, agriculture, water, and biodiversity conservation. As one of Microsoft’s 10 AI Thought Leaders, Lucas also serves as the company’s internal and external focal point on corporate matters pertaining to environmental science and the application of technology to solve sustainability challenges. Lucas serves in an advisory role as a director, advisor , or fellow through the committees and boards of numerous public, private, and non-profit organizations dedicated to science and technology. Lucas maintains an active scientific research career and has published over 100 articles in leading academic journals.