On May 21, 2025, the Bezos Earth Fund announced the first 24 recipients of its AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge, a $100 million initiative launched in April 2024 to harness artificial intelligence in addressing environmental challenges. Each selected project receives an initial $50,000 grant, with the potential for follow-up funding of up to $2 million. The projects span areas such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable protein development, and power grid optimization.

The AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge aims to foster collaboration between environmental experts and AI technologists, emphasizing practical impact over prior AI experience. The initiative seeks to explore how modern AI can accelerate efforts to combat climate change and protect nature.

Jeff Bezos, Executive Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, highlighted the initiative's purpose: "Can modern AI help counter climate change and nature loss, and, if so, how? That’s the question we hope to answer. By bringing together brilliant minds across fields, we may be able to invent new ways forward."

Lauren Sánchez, Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, emphasized the call for innovative solutions: "AI may have the potential to solve some of our biggest problems, and we’re calling on the planet’s brightest problem solvers to bring their visionary ideas to the table. Together, we can innovate and solve these challenges."

Dr. Andrew Steer, President and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, noted the transformative potential of AI: "The future is unlikely to be characterized by straight lines and gentle curves, but rather by unexpected changes and tipping points, good or bad. The arrival of AI will potentially help solve very difficult challenges. With this program we hope to make a helpful contribution."

The Grand Challenge received over 1,000 submissions from eligible organizations, including U.S.-based 501(c)(3) entities and global academic institutions. A panel of 175 experts from organizations such as Columbia University, Greenpeace, and OpenAI reviewed the submissions. The first 24 recipients, known as Seed Grantees, each receive $50,000 and an invitation to participate in a virtual Innovation Sprint. During this phase, they will develop detailed implementation plans with support from AI experts. At the conclusion of Phase 2, up to 15 Implementation Grantees will be selected to receive grants of up to $2 million each.

The Grand Challenge underscores the potential of AI to address pressing environmental issues. By fostering collaboration between environmental experts and AI technologists, the initiative aims to develop scalable solutions for climate change and nature loss. This approach challenges the common narrative around AI's environmental impact by exploring its potential benefits for nature conservation and climate resilience.

While AI has been applied to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, detect forest fires, and advance renewable energy, the Grand Challenge seeks to accelerate and expand these efforts. By providing targeted funding and resources, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between AI innovators and environmental practitioners, fostering solutions that might not otherwise exist.

The Bezos Earth Fund, established in 2020 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has committed $10 billion to combat climate change and protect nature. To date, the fund has provided over 230 grants, allocating approximately $2 billion, and aims to fully disburse the $10 billion pledge by 2030.

The AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge represents a significant step in leveraging artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. By supporting projects that integrate AI with environmental expertise, the Bezos Earth Fund aims to accelerate progress in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.