Nature in the Crossfire

Assessing Environmental Damage in War Zones Using Generative AI

Project Overview

War causes far more than human suffering and political upheaval—it silently ravages the environment. From polluted air and contaminated water to soil degradation and radiation damage, warfare disrupts ecosystems and the natural systems we all depend on. This project shines a light on the often-overlooked environmental damage caused by conflict and introduces innovative tools to address it.

Our approach

We have developed a novel, AI-supported framework that systematically assesses the environmental impacts of warfare. By leveraging generative AI and expert knowledge, this project provides a method to identify and measure damage to four critical areas: air, water, soil, and radiation.

Key Features of Our Framework

Expert-Validated Indicators: Our database includes carefully selected indicators that assess changes in environmental conditions, making it easier to understand the scope of war-induced damage.

Adaptability

The framework can be tailored to any conflict scenario, allowing for precise identification of environmental damage based on specific regional characteristics.

AI-Assistance

We used state-of-the-art AI technology to develop a comprehensive list of variables for monitoring environmental harm, significantly speeding up the assessment process.

Remote Sensing

By using satellite imagery and drone surveillance, we provide a non-intrusive, cost-effective method to gather data in hazardous areas.

Why This Matters

Environmental damage from war often goes unnoticed, but its effects are long-lasting. By creating a standardized and adaptable method for evaluating these impacts, our framework supports more effective remediation efforts, helping regions recover from both immediate and long-term ecological harm. This tool also provides the foundation for international organizations and governments to hold perpetrators accountable and seek reparations for environmental destruction.
A Commitment to Global

Restoration

This initiative aims to document and address the extensive harm inflicted on the natural environment during conflicts, with the ultimate goal of aiding recovery and ensuring accountability.

Meet the Team Behind Science

Holger Jaenes

Science Team Lead

ECOSPHERE Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium

Boris
Faybishenko

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA

Radosław
J. Barczak

University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland

Mykhailo Savenets

Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, Nauky Prospekt 37, Kyiv, Ukraine, 03028

Kersti  
Kangro

Tartu Observatory of Tartu University, Tõravere, Nõo County, Estonia 61602

Phindile
Sabela-Rikhotso

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Billy E. Johnson

Limno Tech Inc. Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (USA)

Christian  
Laag

Department of Research and Development, Nolte Geoservices GmbH, Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Str. 14, 48301 Nottuln, GermanyNottuln lerach Christian

Andriy
Demydenko

Division of Mathematical Environmental Modeling, IMMSP, Natl Acad Sci Ukraine, Prospect Glushkova, 42, Kyiv, 03187, Ukraine
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