Geo AI: Environmental Journalism Using Artificial Intelligence

While Large Language Models (LLMs) are at the center of discussions about artificial intelligence applications, there are a vast number of initiatives and developments deploying models for geospatial analysis, supporting ambitious environmental investigations.

From the temporal analysis of satellite imagery to the land use classification, these models, although inspired by traditional methods of geographical information systems (GIS), allow large scale research of trends and provide unique insights.

These new possibilities are especially attractive for journalists investigating environmental damage and have opened new avenues to holding accountable some of the most important global supply chains.

In this webinar, promoted in partnership by Cambridge Digital Humanities (CDH), Earth Genome, Pulitzer Center, and Watershed Investigations, participants will present examples of the current existing models deployed in environmental investigations, discussing their strengths and limitations.

Invited journalists will also explore how these new tools have been used in investigations about illegal mining and farming pollution in Southeast Asia and Europe

Presenters

Anne Alexander is assistant research professor and director of learning at Cambridge Digital Humanities. Her research focuses on the social, ecological, and political impacts of AI systems.

Edward Boyda is a physicist and a co-founder of Earth Genome, where he runs satellite-based investigations for environmental and human rights reporting. His work includes exposés on illegal gold mining, the global sand trade, the destruction of rainforests for pulpwood production, and the internment of Uighur and Kazakh minorities in Xinjiang, China.

Federico Acosta Rainis is a data specialist at the Pulitzer Center’s Environmental Investigations Unit, where he helps fellows tackle the data side of their reporting—from geospatial analysis and satellite imagery to scraper building and innovative investigative methods. He also leads trainings and works on strategies that connect data and storytelling.

Rachel Salvidge is an award-winning environmental journalist and co-founder of investigative journalism non-profit Watershed. Her work has appeared in the Guardian, BBC, Times, Sky, ITV, Sunday Times, Daily Mail and more.

Moderator: Gustavo Faleiros, Director of Environmental Investigations at the Pulitzer Center

Work on the methodologies discussed in this webinar was funded by a grant from the Accelerate Programme for Scientific Discovery at the University of Cambridge, made possible by a donation from Schmidt Sciences which enabled collaboration between the Pulitzer Center, Cambridge Digital Humanities, Earth Genome and Watershed Investigations.