Can AI save the planet? Five innovations showing what’s possible

From fighting wildfires to protecting deep-sea ecosystems, artificial intelligence is opening up new possibilities for environmental protection. But turning technological breakthroughs into meaningful action remains the bigger challenge.

Could AI become one of our most powerful tools for tackling climate change and environmental destruction?

A new Forbes article explores how nine pioneering organisations are using artificial intelligence to detect threats, predict disasters and better understand the natural world.

Here are five innovations that caught our attention – and what they tell us about the future of environmental protection.

1. Detecting wildfires before flames appear

Dryad Networks has developed solar-powered sensors that detect gases released by smouldering fires, potentially identifying danger before visible flames emerge.

In July 2026, its technology detected a wildfire in Italy within minutes. But firefighters struggled to reach the remote location, highlighting the importance of connecting early warnings with effective emergency responses.

2. Responding to fires in under ten minutes

During the XPRIZE Wildfire competition, Anduril Industries demonstrated an AI-powered system that detected a fire in just two minutes and 32 seconds and accurately attacked it within ten minutes.

The challenge now is proving such systems can operate reliably beyond controlled demonstrations.

3. Predicting where wildfires will spread

Researchers from the SIRIUS Wildfire Alliance are combining AI, satellite observations and physics-based modelling to forecast how fires might develop.

During testing, technology developed by alliance member Pinepeak generated six-hour fire-spread scenarios in under 20 seconds, potentially helping emergency teams make faster, better-informed decisions.

4. Exploring the ocean nearly 40 times faster

OceanX is using AI to analyse underwater footage and identify marine organisms.

Its SeaSwipe technology processed more than 14,000 video frames in 1.2 hours – a task estimated to take 47.5 hours manually.

The findings could help scientists better understand vulnerable marine ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

5. Making environmental intelligence more accessible

MyRadar is exploring how satellite data and AI could deliver environmental warnings to wider audiences.

With an established weather platform reaching millions of users, it demonstrates the potential to connect sophisticated environmental intelligence with the people who need it.

From innovation to impact

The common thread across these breakthroughs is that better technology doesn’t automatically deliver better outcomes.

Reliable infrastructure, investment, scientific expertise and collaboration are all essential to translating innovation into protection.

It’s a challenge that speaks directly to Future Forum’s ambition to connect different disciplines and turn ideas into action.

The question isn’t simply what AI can do for the planet, but how we work together to make it happen.

Explore the innovations and the people behind them in the full Forbes article.