The role of mathematical modelling and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly crucial in strengthening climate information systems and predictions for resilience planning. This convergence, known as mathematical AI, offers the potential to generate comprehensive scenarios on climate risk, vulnerability patterns, and greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. By analysing vast volumes of weather and climate data, mathematical AI leads to more integrated and accurate predictions of climate change, ultimately guiding future actions. However, a major challenge hinders progress: the lack of adequate skills to deploy and interpret AI/mathematics in climate modelling for resilience planning and resource allocation across contexts. This gap stems primarily from two factors: limited training opportunities on AI-related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects within Africa, and a persistent gender disparity within the AI field, reflected in the low number of women in academia and the AI workforce This project, titled Mathematical Sciences for Climate Resilience Solutions in Africa (Math4CCR), seeks to leverage the power of mathematical AI. It aims to build a strong foundation of mathematical AI skills within academia and policy spaces. By strengthening and institutionalizing action-oriented capacity, Math4CCR will empower early-career researchers and policymakers to address climate challenges.
The proposed project will be achieved through four phases. The first phase, scoping, will involve a desk review of existing Mathematical AI tools, frameworks, and models, alongside a capacity gap assessment. The second phase, training, will focus on capacity development through developed e-learning modules, fellowship programs, mini-grants, and internship opportunities. The third phase, institutionalization, will involve developing a regional master’s curriculum and fostering engagement through policy labs. Finally, the fourth phase, community building, will focus on outreach and engagement through sensitization webinars, side events, and annual conferences. By project completion, we anticipate a significant enhancement in the utility of mathematical sciences for climate change planning and response, alongside a reduction in the gender gap within these fields.
In response to these identified gaps, we propose the Mathematical Sciences for Climate Resilience Solutions in Africa (Math4CCR) project. This project aims to build a strong foundation of mathematical AI skills within academia and policy spaces. Math4CCR will achieve this by strengthening and institutionalizing action-oriented capacity among early career researchers and policymakers, while also advancing women’s participation in artificial intelligence for climate action.
The project will provide targeted training and fellowships based on identified needs. It will leverage case studies and mini-grants to build evidence on best practices, demonstrating where M-AI has been or can be scaled up to catalyse climate action and resilience. Additionally, Math4CCR will establish and sustain a support network for M-AI experts, fostering continuous learning and capacity strengthening for climate action across academia, government, and industry.
Project Objectives
- To strengthen the capacities of early career researchers to apply mathematical Sciences and AI for climate Action;
- To foster Institutionalization of Mathematical Sciences and AI skills and expertise for climate Action; and
- To cultivate a cohort of AI specialists/champions proficient in applying mathematical sciences and AI to address climate change.
About the Math4CCR Mini-grants
This project will offer ten (10) mini-research grants of up to USD 2,500 per project to the Math4CCR champions to conduct innovative case studies in different African contexts. The mathematical AI champions will be sponsored to present the findings of these case studies at international or global conferences focused on mathematics and climate change. Additionally, they will participate in climate science panels and pre-events organized by global gatherings such as the Africa Climate Change Week, COP29, promoting thought leadership in climate science. The findings and best practices from these case studies will be compiled into a book or special issue, which will be launched at ahigh-level event.
The call for applications for the Math4CCR mini-grants is coming soon.