Google: How Telecoms Power AI to Protect Global Biodiversity

As AI reshapes global industries, its environmental potential is becoming increasingly apparent. Yet, none of these advances can take place without telecommunications.

From data exchange to remote sensing, telecom networks form the backbone of AI-driven conservation, providing the connectivity that enables complex systems to operate at scale and in real-time.

A recent report by Google and the World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals how AI is already accelerating global biodiversity efforts.

The study highlights how improved connectivity and cloud-based infrastructure are allowing conservationists to collect, share and analyse data in ways never before possible.

“From the air we breathe to the food we eat, a healthy planet matters to every single one of us,” says Kate Brandt, Chief Sustainability Officer at Google.

“For over 10 years, Google and the World Resources Institute have used the latest technology to protect our planet. But we need to do more, faster,” she adds.

AI and connectivity are driving conservation

The report found that fewer than 25% of countries currently have biodiversity targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, primarily due to limited access to data and inadequate digital infrastructure.

Telecommunications plays a vital role in closing these gaps by connecting field sensors, satellites and data centres into unified, high-performance AI ecosystems.

AI systems process vast quantities of environmental data, from animal tracking sensors to ocean surveillance feeds and rely on stable, high-bandwidth networks to function.

Telecoms operators enable the secure, low-latency transmission that makes it possible, turning remote environmental data into real-time insight.

Connected AI in action

Several AI-powered initiatives demonstrate how telecom-enabled data flows are transforming conservation.

Wildlife Insights, a Google collaboration with conservation organisations, operates the world’s largest open database of camera trap images; 253 million photos from 4,292 species across 112 countries.

Telecom connectivity supports the project, transmitting images from remote habitats to the cloud, where AI algorithms identify and catalogue species activity.

Global Fishing Watch, another initiative, combines AI and satellite connectivity to track vessel movements across the oceans. In 2024, Chilean authorities utilised the platform to shut down illegal toothfish fisheries, issuing fines to 21 vessels.

The success relied on the seamless integration of maritime data, AI analytics and global telecommunications infrastructure.

Meanwhile, iNaturalist, a citizen science platform, enables mobile users to document biodiversity and share findings globally. More than 400,000 contributors have submitted over 100 million verified observations, facilitated by mobile networks that connect communities, scientists and researchers.

Kate Brandt explains: “The report highlights real-world examples of people using the technology as we speak to protect and restore nature around the globe. Governments are using satellites to monitor the seas and prevent illegal fishing.

Researchers are using AI to identify and protect endangered species. Indigenous communities equipped with real-time alerts to stop illicit logging on their land,” she adds.

Building the foundations for AI in sustainability

The Google–WRI report outlines three key investment areas where telecommunications providers play a central role in enabling AI for conservation:

1. Expanding Data Networks: Global biodiversity monitoring depends on scalable, high-speed connectivity for sharing environmental data via initiatives such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
2. Transparent AI Systems: Telecom-backed cloud infrastructure enables open and interoperable AI systems to process diverse datasets and support informed policy decisions.
3. Collaborative Capacity Building: Networked digital platforms enable conservationists, governments and developers to collaborate, share expertise and accelerate innovation.

“People spend much time trying to sell models [but] models are only as good as the data,” says Sara Beery, Assistant Professor of AI and Decision-Making at MIT.

“Data is never a bad investment and data that can be open-sourced and have mutual and diverse downstream uses; that is the no-regret investment,” she adds.

Telecoms’ role in a sustainable digital future

The report highlights challenges that telecoms can help to solve.

The concentration of AI infrastructure in a handful of regions risks limiting global participation. Network operators can bridge this divide by expanding digital inclusion and building local data infrastructure.

At the same time, telecoms face pressure to minimise AI’s energy footprint. Data centres already account for around 1.5% of global electricity use, projected to double by 2030.

By investing in renewable-powered networks and energy-efficient data routing, telecoms can ensure that digital progress aligns with climate goals.

can ensure that digital progress aligns with climate goals.

“Finding the right people and helping them collaborate, build capacity to problem solve and work together is way more important than the technology applications,” notes Stephanie O’Donnell, Senior Technology Specialist at the World Bank’s Global Wildlife Program.

Connected partnerships for the planet

The Google–WRI report estimates that global investment in nature must increase by US$500 billion annually to meet biodiversity and climate objectives. Telcos are pivotal to enabling the data exchange, transparency and collaboration required to achieve that ambition. “Partnership is key to meeting this opportunity,” says Kate.

For telecoms providers, the partnership extends beyond connectivity; it is about empowering AI ecosystems that protect biodiversity, strengthen resilience and secure a sustainable digital future for the planet.