New AI Tool Set to Protect Nature During Infrastructure Development
In a world where rapid urbanization and economic growth are colliding with the need to protect the natural environment, a new AI-driven solution promises to change how infrastructure projects are planned and executed.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and AECOM have launched the SMI Nature Risk Tool, an AI-powered tool that uses data to help ensure that nature and biodiversity are considered at every step of infrastructure development.
The tool’s creation comes at a critical time. Global wildlife populations have plummeted by an average of 60% over the last 50 years, and infrastructure development—while crucial to human progress—has played a significant role in habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and rising pollution.
As urban expansion and economic projects continue to increase, there is growing concern over the future of the planet’s ecosystems. With over $60 trillion in new infrastructure investments expected in the next 20 years, solutions like the SMI Nature Risk Tool may be pivotal in striking a balance between development and environmental protection.
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A Game-Changer for Developers and Policymakers
The SMI Nature Risk Tool, developed in partnership with AECOM, allows planners, policymakers, and investors to analyze land anywhere in the world, providing expert-reviewed descriptions of local habitats and biomes. This tool goes beyond surface-level assessments.
It uses real-time data, integrated with global databases from the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), to give decision-makers a comprehensive understanding of the ecological impact of a proposed project before the first shovel breaks ground.
What makes the tool revolutionary is its ability to identify potential risks at an early stage. By pinpointing protected species or sensitive ecosystems within a development area, the tool enables infrastructure planners to take preventive measures, such as altering the project location or integrating protections into the design phase. This can significantly reduce the risk of environmental degradation and legal complications down the line.
Jennifer Jordan Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, highlights the importance of the tool in fostering a more sustainable future.
“Nature is the engine of our economy, which is why it lies at the heart of our mandate, the Terra Carta,” she said. “This tool is a powerful resource for developers and policymakers worldwide as we work collectively to protect and restore harmony with nature.”
How It Works: AI for Sustainability
Powered by AECOM’s infrastructure expertise, the SMI Nature Risk Tool is more than just a data processor. It provides a detailed evaluation of a project’s potential environmental impact and offers strategies for mitigating these effects.
The tool’s integration with the TNFD framework also means that it can be used to support compliance with emerging global sustainability regulations, ensuring that investors and developers are not just following best practices but also adhering to a growing body of environmental laws.
By employing the tool early in a project’s lifecycle, during the site selection and feasibility phases, it offers critical insights into potential environmental risks.
For instance, if the tool identifies a habitat for an endangered species within a proposed construction site, planners can either reconsider the site or implement conservation measures to protect the species. These adjustments could include creating wildlife corridors, integrating green infrastructure, or employing innovative technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of the project.
Troy Rudd, CEO of AECOM, emphasizes the collaborative power of the tool, stating: “We are incredibly excited about this partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative. By combining our expertise in infrastructure consulting with SMI’s commitment to sustainability, we are setting a new standard for how projects can be planned and executed with nature and biodiversity at the forefront.”
Successful Trials with Global Organizations
The SMI Nature Risk Tool is not just theoretical; it has already been successfully trialled by leading organizations, including the World Bank, BP, KPMG, WWF, Barclays, HSBC, and the Blue Dot Network. These trials demonstrated the tool’s ability to enhance project planning by providing early warnings of potential environmental issues and offering actionable solutions for minimizing harm.
For example, in one trial, the tool identified that a proposed infrastructure project would encroach on a migratory route for a protected species of bird. By flagging this risk early, the developers were able to adjust their plans to avoid the area, ensuring both the protection of the species and the continuation of the project without delays.
A Tool for a Changing World
With climate change and biodiversity loss reaching critical levels, the Nature Risk Tool represents a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development. It not only addresses immediate project needs but also contributes to long-term environmental resilience.
As the world looks for ways to mitigate the effects of climate change, tools like this can help developers design projects that work in harmony with nature rather than against it.
The tool’s scalability makes it suitable for a wide range of projects, from large-scale urban developments to more localized infrastructure initiatives. Whether it’s a new road cutting through a forest or a wind farm in an offshore marine habitat, the tool provides essential data that can help minimize environmental damage.
This innovative tool stands as a testament to the evolving relationship between technology and sustainability. It shows that with the right tools, economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
Looking Ahead
The SMI Nature Risk Tool’s launch signals a shift toward more sustainable development practices globally. With the backing of high-profile organizations and the expertise of AECOM, this tool is poised to become a cornerstone of environmentally responsible infrastructure planning.
In the words of Jennifer Jordan Saifi, “As we move toward a future where nature and economic development must coexist, this tool is a beacon of hope. It is not just about preventing damage—it’s about creating a new kind of harmony between human progress and the natural world.”
With infrastructure investment set to surge in the coming decades, tools like the SMI Nature Risk Tool will be critical in ensuring that development and conservation can thrive side by side.
By offering planners and policymakers the ability to make informed, data-driven decisions, the tool is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, nature-friendly future.
About SMI and AECOM
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, the Sustainable Markets Initiative works to accelerate positive outcomes for Nature, People, and Planet through actionable solutions like the Nature Risk Tool.
AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm, brings its technical and digital expertise to the partnership, helping to ensure that projects are sustainable and environmentally sound.
As infrastructure continues to shape our world, tools like the SMI Nature Risk Tool offer a way to ensure that nature has a seat at the table.
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