Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, hosted a pivotal seminar on AI Tools for Climate Change Science, exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in combating climate change.
The seminar, held on December 16, 2024, at the university’s Old Library Extension, was a part of the Pakistani Women University Climate Change Consortium (PWUCCC) project—an initiative focused on empowering the next generation of female environmentalists in Pakistan.
The event brought together notable experts, scientists, and students to examine the intersection of AI and environmental science, shedding light on the urgent challenges of climate change. As the world grapples with rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, and the rapid melting of glaciers, the seminar emphasized the need for innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to these environmental changes.
The PWUCCC project, launched with the goal of fostering collaboration between Pakistani and U.S. scientists, is particularly aimed at inspiring and supporting women in the field of environmental and earth sciences. This initiative seeks to build partnerships that will drive the development of climate solutions while empowering women scientists and students in Pakistan.
AI’s Role in Climate Change Science
Keynote speaker Professor Dr. Paul Liu, Director of International Affairs at the College of Sciences and Professor in the Department of Marine Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University, United States, outlined the critical role that AI plays in modern climate science. Dr. Liu demonstrated how AI tools are revolutionizing climate research by analyzing vast datasets, such as global climate models and satellite imagery, with greater speed and accuracy.
“AI enhances the precision of climate models, predicts future scenarios, and optimizes strategies for mitigation and adaptation,” Dr. Liu said. “These technologies are crucial for addressing climate change on both regional and global levels.” His insights underscored the transformative potential of AI to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, from predicting weather patterns to designing sustainable solutions for impacted communities.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals
Project coordinators Prof. Dr. Rohama Gill (Pakistan) and Dr. Paul Liu (U.S.) provided an overview of the project’s objectives, highlighting the partnership between the U.S. and Pakistani scientists. Their collaboration seeks to advance climate change research through the empowerment of women scientists and students, fostering a diverse, inclusive scientific community.
At the seminar, Mr. Alexander Noppe, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Mission to Pakistan, praised the project’s success in bringing together expertise and promoting cross-border scientific dialogue. He commended the team for their commitment to addressing climate change challenges and advancing environmental research.
Commitment to Empowerment and International Collaboration
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of FJWU and recipient of the Pride of Performance award, expressed her gratitude to the funding agency for supporting the initiative. She stressed the importance of similar initiatives at universities across the country and offered her full support for the establishment of a Women Climate Change Center at FJWU, as proposed by Prof. Gill.
“The future of science and climate solutions lies in the hands of our youth, particularly women,” Dr. Mirza said. “Empowering young women to take on leadership roles in environmental science is essential for building a sustainable future.”
FJWU’s ongoing commitment to women in science, paired with international partnerships and the application of cutting-edge technology, is setting the stage for transformative solutions in the fight against climate change. The university’s active involvement in the PWUCCC project highlights its role as a leader in environmental education and gender equality.