As the Summit of the Future convenes at the United Nations headquarters, world leaders are presented with a unique opportunity to engage with groundbreaking artwork that harnesses artificial intelligence to drive action for environmental conservation. During the high-level week of the General Assembly (UNGA), Large Nature Model: Coral, created by the renowned Refik Anadol Studio, showcases an unprecedented AI-generated portrayal of coral reefs, reflecting the urgent discussions surrounding climate action and sustainable development.
Utilizing a machine learning algorithm trained on a staggering 100 million coral reef images, this monumental immersive installation offers an unprecedented glimpse into the vastness and complexity of our oceans. It serves as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake in the fight for our planet’s future.
“Refik Anadol’s artwork is a testament to the beauty and fragility of our natural world,” said UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming. “It’s a clarion call to world leaders: we must harness the power of technology, human ingenuity, and agency to incite action to protect our planet before it’s too late.”
Large Nature Model: Coral exemplifies the potential of AI not only to illuminate the consequences of environmental degradation but also to inspire innovative solutions. Anadol’s work, a tribute to the power of merging art with science, technology, and innovation, serves as a powerful message and call to action—encouraging greater understanding and a sense of responsibility to safeguard our natural world.
“It’s an honor to participate in this year’s Summit of the Future and be part of the critical dialogues shaping our global future. As an interdisciplinary artist, I hope that Large Nature Model: Coral inspires people to see how technology can foster deeper connections with our planet and empower us to work together toward a more sustainable world,” stated Refik Anadol, media artist and co-founder of Refik Anadol Studio.
Anadol expressed gratitude for the support from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation for the RAS AI Foundation’s Large Nature Model research, emphasizing its commitment to the ethical integration of art, science, and technology.
Our coral reef ecosystems, often called the “rainforests of the ocean,” are dying at an alarming rate. They are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet to climate change, with the potential to disappear by the end of this century.
“AI is not just a tool for innovation—it’s a force that can reshape how we see our planet, reconnecting us with the beauty and fragility of nature in ways never before possible,” said Vilas Dhar, President at the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. “Refik Anadol’s brilliant vision allows us to use technology to engage the senses and spark a deeper emotional connection to our natural world.”
“Large Nature Model: Coral merges technology with artistic expression to open new pathways for engagement, helping humanity see not just the challenges but the opportunities to build a sustainable future. As we look toward the Summit of the Future, we must seize this moment to harness AI’s power to shift perspectives and drive collective change for generations to come,” Dhar added.
Large Nature Model: Coral will be on display at the UN headquarters from September 21 to 28, coinciding with the annual gathering of world leaders and the Summit of the Future. This year’s summit, taking place from September 21 to 22, focuses on strengthening multilateralism and addressing critical challenges and opportunities, including those presented by new and emerging technologies such as AI.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman
