Daniel Erasmus, founder of <a fr-original-style="" href="https://climategpt.ai/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; outline: none; cursor: pointer; transition: color 0.3s; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: auto; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank">ClimateGPT</a>, is pioneering climate resilience&nbsp;by merging artificial intelligence with vast planetary data sets. He drives home the urgency of early, collective climate action to secure a sustainable future. As the visionary behind ClimateGPT, the world’s first open-source foundational AI model focused on climate and Erasmus.AI, he has created a powerful tool to transform global adaptation efforts. His board of directors includes some of the world’s most brilliant minds, enhancing the model's capacity to tackle critical challenges, from tracking extreme weather events to mapping innovations and mitigating risks.Erasmus's commitment to global impact was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when he launched a food security initiative, delivering over 60 million meals across sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for his ability to foresee major economic shifts, Erasmus accurately predicted events like the Global Financial Crisis and fluctuations in oil prices, providing invaluable insights to state organizations and industry giants alike. His influence extends into public sector initiatives, where he has played key leadership roles in transformative projects, including the Rotterdam Climate Initiative, solidifying his dedication to meaningful, large-scale change in the face of climate threats.Our planet is defined by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity; a VUCA world where critical edges appear everywhere. Through the Erasmus AI platform, Daniel Erasmus and his team process massive data sets daily, aiming to drive breakthroughs in navigating these complex challenges.An academic writer, Erasmus serves on boards like the University of Stellenbosch Faculty of Science, Titan Advanced Energy Solutions, and Quad9 Foundation and has authored three books and numerous op-eds. Recently, he joined the Club of Rome, founded in 1972 and composed of scientists, academics, and thought leaders. We spoke with him about climate change and artificial intelligence.COVID-19, transformative global shifts, unprecedented elections, relentless warming, and natural disasters: How would you define yourself during these last two years, and what have been the most significant changes in your life?Let’s start from the beginning. I’m originally from South Africa, and the main theme of my life over the last quarter-century has been societal transformation. South Africa's transition from the old regime to democracy heightened my interest in the processes behind social structure transformation. In recent years, I've focused on accelerating these transformation processes through AI, using decision-tree theory techniques. My goal has been to increase our collective social intelligence over time. If we assume that the climate will change and exceed 1.5 degrees, we must understand the significant social impact this will have. We need to be positioned to change our social structures, reward systems, energy frameworks, resilience, and readiness faster than these transformations occur. If we can achieve that, we’ll be better prepared, even in a changing environment.Is the driving motivation behind creating ClimateGPT to help us live better lives?The core purpose of ClimateGPT is to enhance societal adaptability to climate change by making people brighter. This is not a change driven by individuals but collective decisions. ClimateGPT offers tools to support societal decision-making from local governments to central institutions. For instance, in Rotterdam, we set emission reduction targets with our initial projects to transform cities. However, recognizing the broader implications of climate change, we developed ClimateGPT to analyze its socio-economic impacts better. According to data published in Nature a few years ago, around $100 trillion will be required globally to transform our systems. This staggering amount is equivalent to the world's annual GDP. Acting sooner will allow us to spend less than if we delayed, especially as the world faces economic hardship.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/10/1/1731935802986.jpeg" style="display: block; float: none; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" ratio="1.13" width="550" fr-original-style="display: block; float: none; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">A screenshot from ClimateGPTHow does ClimateGPT work, and where do you envision it evolving?We’ve been working on ClimateGPT scenarios for some time. A scenario is like sitting in a room with some of the world's most brilliant and influential minds and asking, “What if things go wrong?” Essentially, you’re playing “what-if” games with the aid of technology. A scenario project also involves gathering insights from decision-makers worldwide. In that sense, ClimateGPT is quite straightforward. Our advisory board consists of knowledgeable individuals. Typically, a scenario process can result in a thousand or two-thousand-page document. If we don’t build this system, no one will, as Silicon Valley is focused on AGI, which is a fantastic and intriguing project. Still, we’re interested in making everyone collectively smarter. We’re about to launch version two of the model.&nbsp;We’ve developed scenarios ranging from designing climate resilience in Madagascar to planning new climate strategies in the Caribbean and supporting mangrove forest resilience. Mangrove forests are dense stands of trees and shrubs in salt marshes, tidal estuaries, and muddy coastlines, and they offer remarkable coastal resilience. They create economies of scale because you can raise shrimp there, generating substantial social benefits. Through ClimateGPT, we’re not just saying “plant a tree” or “grow a forest” but advocating for planting mangrove forests. This thought process is at the heart of our system. Multinational corporations have used ClimateGPT to design carbon-neutral strategies, financial services companies to explore various risk models and supply chain planning.<img src="https://images.aposto.com/2024/10/1/1731935829583.jpeg" style="display: block; float: none; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px; border-style: none; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box;" ratio="2.64" width="550" fr-original-style="display: block; float: none; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; width: 100%; max-width: 550px;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">As a surprising addition, people also use it to decide which solar panels to install on their rooftops. Open systems tend to surprise you with their benefits. That’s why we’re moving to Model Two, then Model Three, to provide ample feedback to individuals and not just corporations. We’re working with George Mason University to improve the quality of the models’ numerical responses. We’re also partnering with central banks to support a model that upholds the sustainability of the global financial system.In an AI boom age, why do you think people fear it?Artificial intelligence doesn’t frighten me. People do.What are the most critical steps in combating climate change? And what are the most common global mistakes made in this regard?Acting early and wisely is the most effective approach to combat climate change. Addressing climate change demands trillions of dollars in investment to transform global systems, with costs rising each year we delay. Yet, one of the biggest mistakes is viewing climate change as a technical rather than a collective challenge. We need to address climate challenges from a perspective that strengthens community resilience.What else occupies your life? How do you maintain mental clarity while making risky, transformative decisions?I have a deep affinity for Zen Buddhism. I meditate, not every day, but it’s often a lifesaver. I also love Sumi-e, a Chinese ink painting art form. Clearing your mind is essential. To achieve this, you must move faster than you might think, building muscle memory. Like sailing, these pursuits require discipline, and engaging with them significantly aids me in tackling more extensive problems.Finally, what are your thoughts on the changing political conjuncture?Today, we need more scientists in decision-making positions within governments, politics, and various fields. One of the significant requirements of our era is to involve not only politicians but also engineers and scientists from different disciplines in the process.&nbsp;

Aposto World

Daniel Erasmus is on a mission to save the planet by using AI to bring out the best in our collective decision-making. How does ClimateGPT work and what role does community play in building climate resilience?

Exclusive with Daniel Erasmus: Climate resilience, community and AI

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