- Alwaleed Philanthropies launches Atlai, an AI-powered platform to combat deforestation globally, leveraging technology and data to accelerate sustainable development and address the climate crisis.
- Atlai provides comprehensive data on deforestation activities worldwide, offering easily understandable reports in multiple languages, enabling stakeholders to monitor trends and take timely action.
- Atlai reflects Alwaleed Philanthropies’ dedication to leveraging innovation and collaboration to tackle pressing environmental challenges, marking the organization’s first step in investing in AI and emerging technologies to combat climate change.
In a bid to tackle one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time, Alwaleed Philanthropies has unveiled Atlai, an innovative AI-powered platform aimed at combating deforestation worldwide. This initiative harnesses the power of technology and data to accelerate sustainable development and confront the escalating climate crisis head-on.
Deforestation, which contributes up to 20% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, poses a significant threat to the environment. Forests play a crucial role as carbon and biodiversity reservoirs, essential for mitigating climate change and sustaining vital ecosystems. However, despite global efforts, deforestation increased by 4% worldwide in 2022, leaving the world 21% off-track on its goal of ending deforestation by 2030.
To address this urgent issue, Atlai provides users around the world with access to comprehensive data on deforestation activities. The platform aggregates historical data by country, offering on-demand reports in seven languages including English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Italian, and Arabic. By leveraging AI technology, Atlai delivers easy-to-digest reports, enabling stakeholders to monitor deforestation trends and take timely action.
“Data is the foundation of good decision-making in today’s world,” says Alwaleed Philanthropies. The organization believes that widespread access to climate data can catalyze engagement and action at all levels to combat the climate emergency. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Saudi Vision 2030, Atlai aims to close the knowledge gap faced by groups working to address deforestation by providing accessible, actionable data at no cost.
Registration for Atlai is straightforward, granting users immediate access to detailed reports delivered directly to their email. Environmental advocates and activists are encouraged to join the platform to receive tailored updates, enabling them to closely monitor forest conditions worldwide and stay informed about ongoing deforestation activities.
The launch of Atlai was announced at the prestigious Qatar Web Summit and builds on Alwaleed Philanthropies’ 44-year commitment to creating a world of equal opportunities through innovation and collaboration. The organization’s diverse portfolio of projects includes initiatives empowering women, combating prejudice within the Metaverse, and fostering cultural exchange with leading academic institutions worldwide.
“In the face of major development challenges and a deepening climate emergency, Alwaleed Philanthropies has made it a priority to support a healthier environment,” states HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary-General of Alwaleed Philanthropies. “At the core of this ambition lies the guiding principle of our strategy: innovation is the key to addressing the most pressing climate challenges.”
Reflecting on the significance of Atlai, HRH Princess Lamia emphasizes, “In the face of escalating climate crises, the need for accessible, actionable data has never been greater. Deforestation poses an existential threat to our environment, and we currently lack easily accessible data to enable decision-making and find solutions. Atlai represents our philanthropic commitment to using innovation and collaboration to solve the world’s most pressing issues.”
Atlai marks the first step in Alwaleed Philanthropies’ efforts to invest in AI and emerging technologies to maximize impact, combat climate change, and build a healthier world for all. With Atlai, the organization aims to harness the potential of AI to empower individuals and organizations worldwide to become proactive agents of change in the fight against deforestation.
As the global community grapples with the urgent need for environmental action, Atlai stands as a beacon of hope, offering a powerful tool to confront deforestation and safeguard the planet for future generations.
