On December 4th, ALFIE participated in the ClearClimate consortium meeting. The ClearClimate project aims to build international collaborations between researchers and practitioners to address climate information service development challenges. With a focus on enhancing skills in user-centred design, behavioural science, and computational techniques to create more effective CIS solutions, ClearClimate aims to develop researchers’ “soft skills” to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering European innovation. This is achieved through partnerships between academic institutions, providing cutting-edge training, and industries, offering real-world challenges in CIS development.

Dr Sarah Anne McDonagh and Professor Pilar Orero presented the ALFIE project to ClearClimate participants, outlining its aims and expected outcomes. Participants from Ghana, Ireland, Poland, The Netherlands, Serbia, and Spain, were then invited to reflect on the future of AI and its potential application to climate services. Using postcards as a medium to address AI developers, participants proposed the following:

●      Develop AI models that are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, such as those who are colour-blind.

●      Create extreme heat forecast systems that can effectively reach the most vulnerable populations.

●      Employ clear and simple language, both written and spoken, providing examples whenever possible when communicating climate information.

●      Ensure the accuracy of climate information by verifying research references against scientific standards.

The results of this workshop will go towards the drafting of user requirements for the ALFIE AutoML platform. By collaborating with ClearClimate, ALFIE aims to accelerate the development of innovative AI-powered solutions to address pressing climate challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.