XAIDA project when AI meets climate science

Heatwaves, flash floods and droughts are arriving with alarming frequency, disrupting lives, economies and ecosystems. Understanding why these events happen and how to prepare for those still to come is essential. The Horizon 2020 EU-funded XAIDA project (eXtreme events: Artificial Intelligence for Detection and Attribution), which runs since 2021, brings together scientists, computer experts and stakeholders to tackle this challenge and design new tools and methods using artificial intelligence.

Instead of looking at single hazards in isolation, XAIDA developed new ways of studying compound events, where multiple extremes occur at once. A hot, dry summer followed by sudden floods is far more damaging than either hazard alone, and XAIDA creates the frameworks to analyse these complex realities. 

These methods are put to the test in headline events such as a future Paris heatwave, potentially reaching 50°C. The 2024 Olympics heightened awareness of possible future climates. XAIDA’s research used climate models to predict such risks, finding potential for severe heat by 2050. By identifying these threats, XAIDA assists policymakers in planning for public health and infrastructure resilience.

XAIDA also went a step further. The researchers team use AI to simulate extreme events that have never been observed before but could plausibly occur in today or tomorrow’s climate. This means societies can start preparing for unprecedented risks before they strike.

XAIDA's AI tools, such as the AIDE Toolbox, assist policymakers and planners in developing and implementing strategies to enhance resilience against climate-induced stresses. This proactive planning is essential for maintaining food security and managing water resources effectively, ensuring that European societies can adapt to changing environmental conditions and continue to thrive. This aligns with the EU's goals of achieving long-term sustainability and preserving natural environments.

As XAIDA draws to a close, its achievements continue to ripple outward. Through its research and educational efforts, XAIDA encourages the development of innovative solutions and technologies that support sustainable practices and climate resilience. This emphasis on innovation is vital for securing food and water resources in a changing climate, thus sustaining the quality of life for European citizens.

For more information, please see the EU factsheet.