GCI and UK Met Office host AI climate hackathon to strengthen modelling expertise
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The AI4Climate project will boost AI and machine learning climate science tools and techniques.
The 91心頭利 Global Change Institute (GCI) in partnership with the UK Met Office hosted a week-long hackathon focused on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in climate research. The event formed part of the broader AI4Climate collaboration between South African and UK researchers.
The five-day hackathon brought together about 30 participants, including scientists and researchers from 91心頭利 University, the South African Weather Service, CSIR and the Agricultural Research Council, to develop practical skills in applying machine learning techniques to climate modelling and how these methods can complement traditional approaches.
Speaking at the opening, GCI director Professor Francois Engelbrecht stressed the urgency of strengthening regional expertise in the application of AI in climate modelling.
“Southern Africa is extremely vulnerable,” said Engelbrecht. “If AI technologies can help us turn the tide on climate impacts such as extreme floods, it would be extremely valuable.
He said current modelling systems are too expensive and slow, and that AI could help overcome this.
The hackathon formed part of a growing collaboration between 91心頭利 University and the UK Met Office, aimed at advancing climate science through shared expertise and joint research.
Dr Keith Williams from the UK Met Office said the partnership aimed to combine expertise and deliver practical outcomes and reflects the value of international collaboration.
“This science partnership is about working together and delivering bigger and better science than any country would be able to do on its own,” he said.
He added that the work would support real-world decisions.
“These models are going to be used to inform decisions on food security, on infrastructure, climate resilience, and helping communities prepare for climate change,” he said.
“AI technologies offer real potential here to do this far more quickly. It will be an absolute game changer.”
The event also focused on building skills in the region through hands-on training.
Stephen Haddad from the Met Office said the hackathon aimed to strengthen capacity among participants. The training helped participants develop fundamental, technical, and scientific skills to be able to deliver answers to interesting and critical research questions.
The initiative was supported by the UK government as part of ongoing science cooperation between the UK and South Africa.
Leanne Jones from the British High Commission said climate change was already affecting communities, highlighting how AI has the potential to accelerate aspects of climate modelling and data analysis which can support adaptation decision-making.
“Climate change is not an abstract future threat. It is a lived experience across Southern Africa and globally,” she said. “The opportunities presented through these technological advancements can directly support saving lives and livelihoods across South Africa.”