The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Microsoft have collaborated to address climate-induced displacement by harnessing artificial intelligence and data insights.
IOM, in a statement on Monday, December 16, 2024, said the collaboration aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change on migration and enhance resilience among vulnerable communities.
This, the organisation said, is through innovative pilot projects with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab in the Maldives, Ethiopia, and Libya.
According to IOM, climate change is a growing driver of displacement, with 26.4 million internal displacements recorded in 2023 alone.
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM, was quoted to have said the world could no longer simply reacts to climate change.
“This collaboration with Microsoft empowers IOM with data and insights that enable us to proactively address the impact of climate change on migration so we can better protect vulnerable communities.
“IOM and Microsoft have combined advanced AI tools, local expertise, and data-driven insights to support communities impacted by climate-related risks and strengthen their resilience to future challenges.”
Dr Juan Ferres, Chief Data Scientist and Director of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, said the collaboration demonstrates how AI helps address the urgent challenges posed by climate-driven displacement.
According to him, the projects show how local teams on the ground can unlock insights with AI to anticipate risks and respond with solutions that improve the resilience of communities.
IOM said in Ethiopia, data analysis revealed that 700,000 people and 1.5 per cent of the country’s croplands are at risk of flooding.
“This information enables IOM to plan more effective interventions, supporting displaced populations and reducing the likelihood of future displacement.”
The statement noted that both organisations would showcase the outcomes of the partnership through the Climate Action Portal, a platform that will offer key insights on climate change and migration.
“The portal will present pilot results through interactive maps and dynamic data visualisations to empower policymakers and humanitarians with actionable insights.
“By combining the power of AI with local expertise, IOM and Microsoft are setting a new standard for identifying vulnerable populations, and predicting displacement hotspots.
“Equipping decision-makers and humanitarian actors with the tools needed to mitigate risks and support at-risk communities.”
By Busayo Onijala
