Hurricane Idalia and the Hawaii firestorm were the most notable weather disasters in the U.S. in 2023, but they were far from the only ones. In 2023, 25 weather or climate disasters caused at least $1 billion in losses and the deaths of 482 people, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
In 2024, artificial intelligence should play a bigger role in predicting those events and saving lives, Northeastern University faculty experts predict.
For instance, there are parts of the executive order that have bipartisan support, like creating an AI Safety Institute, says Sina Fazelpour, assistant professor of philosophy and computer science at Northeastern.
While the demand for regulations is clear, Fazelpour says there’s much work to be done in actually coming to an agreement on what those regulations should be. There’s so much that we need to create in terms of appropriate evaluation tools for AI systems, he says. Some of these tools will be technological and will require innovation in philosophy and in human and computer interactions.
Cansu Canca, research associate professor in philosophy and director of Responsible AI Practice at the Institute for Experiential AI, says businesses have certainly been incentivized over the past years to use more AI-based tools.
In the next year, she is hopeful that companies will continue to refine the best practices of what it means to use AI responsibly and integrate ethics adequately into the innovation process.
In terms of user behavior, Fazelpour believes consumers in 2024 will continue to become more savvy about how to use the technology best, taking into account system limits and the fact that they hallucinate.
It’s not supposed to be Wikipedia or Google Search, he says. It’s something else.
The integration of AI into weather prediction systems has the potential to revolutionize the accuracy and precision of forecasting, ultimately helping to save lives in the face of climate disasters. With the increasing frequency and severity of weather events, scientists and researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to enhance traditional climate prediction models.
Auroop R. Ganguly, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of AI4CaS (AI for Climate and Sustainability) at Northeastern’s Institute for Experiential AI, predicts that in the next year, efforts combining data-driven systems and artificial intelligence will become more prominent. These hybrid-based models incorporate machine learning and generative AI tools to provide more accurate and precise predictions for weather and climate disasters.
Collaborative projects are already underway to demonstrate the impact of these new models. Doctorate students at Northeastern are working with officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority to develop a more accurate hybrid-based flood prediction system. By integrating AI with their existing physics-based model, they aim to improve forecasting and enhance disaster preparedness.
In addition to advancements in prediction models, the regulation of AI systems is also a crucial aspect of utilizing this technology effectively. Sina Fazelpour, assistant professor of philosophy and computer science, highlights the importance of refining regulations surrounding AI. The Biden administration’s executive order on regulating AI and the call for the creation of an AI Safety Institute demonstrate the ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive guidelines.
However, determining the specific shape and policies of these regulations remains a challenge. Fazelpour, who serves as an AI fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, emphasizes the need to develop appropriate evaluation tools for AI systems. Defining best practices and standards will require interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and a thorough understanding of the ethical implications of AI technologies.
Cansu Canca, director of Responsible AI Practice at the Institute for Experiential AI, acknowledges the growing trend of businesses using AI-based tools. While recognizing their potential, she emphasizes the importance of considering limitations and ethical responsibilities when integrating AI into various sectors.
As users become more familiar with AI technologies, Sina Fazelpour predicts that consumers in 2024 will continue to evolve their understanding of its capabilities and limitations. It is essential for users to be aware that AI is not intended to replace reliable sources like Wikipedia or Google Search but rather offers a unique augmentation of information.
In the face of increasing climate risks, the integration of AI into weather prediction and disaster preparedness systems brings promise. Continued advancements in hybrid-based models, combined with regulatory enhancements and responsible AI practices, pave the way for more accurate predictions and improved disaster mitigation strategies. As AI continues to shape the future of weather forecasting, the ability to anticipate and prepare for climate disasters in the US is expected to be significantly bolstered.
