The Digital Tech & AI sector of the Nature & Climate Impact Team investigates how the digital technology and AI industry affects climate and nature. The industry has a growing physical footprint, from the energy and water used by data centres to the networks and devices behind every web page. It also shapes what people believe about climate change, through the platforms and AI tools where climate information, and misinformation, now spreads. We research these impacts, share the evidence with industry and policy audiences, and test practical interventions, such as ClimaVAR and Digital Impact for Species, that show how digital technology can work for climate and nature rather than against it.
An AI climate referee that fact-checks climate claims and images
To drive meaningful change in how climate information spreads, we developed ClimaVAR—a free AI referee that fact-checks climate claims and images in seconds. By using the familiar language of football to deliver science-based verdicts across five languages, this tool connects research with real-world impact, reaching active users in 56 countries.
A free tool that turns a website’s carbon, water and energy use into species comparisons
To address the tech industry’s hidden environmental footprint, Digital Impact for Species translates any website’s carbon, water, and energy use into relatable comparisons with trees, animals, and pollinators. This free tool, launched at the 2026 World Economic Forum, empowers organizations to make climate-smart digital decisions and unlock broader systems transformation.
Using AI and linguistics to map positive climate narratives in UK and Canadian media
We believe action requires momentum and hope. ClimateHopeAI uses artificial intelligence to identify and analyse constructive, solution-oriented climate stories in UK and Canadian online news. By combining data science with linguistic analysis, this international partnership is building an interactive dashboard to uncover the positive climate narratives needed to accelerate change.