Google announces AI and climate research initiatives in Ireland

Google is launching several initiatives in Ireland to advance artificial intelligence applications in climate research and the nonprofit sector. Through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, the company is committing $5 million to a four-year project aimed at improving weather forecasting. This includes $2.5 million for the AIMSIR research centre at University College Dublin to establish the Climate + School Weather AI Network (SWAN). The project will deploy 560 solar-powered weather stations in schools across Ireland to collect real-time data, which will be combined with Google’s Earth AI and historical data to enhance “nowcasting” capabilities.

Additionally, the Irish Department of Rural and Community Development is partnering with Google and the NGO Rethink Ireland to promote AI adoption within the nonprofit sector. The “AI for Good Fund” will distribute €1.75 million among up to 30 awardees, with successful applicants receiving up to €15,000. The fund, sourced from the state’s Dormant Accounts Fund, includes a category for “Environment, Sustainability, & Conservation” to support organizations tackling social and environmental challenges through AI.