New Book: Can AI Save Nature?
10/07/2025Artificial intelligence can protect animals and ecosystems and revolutionise nature conservation: This is shown in a new book co-authored by Dr Frauke Fischer from the University of Würzburg.
Artificial intelligence can write texts, generate images and learn independently. And while it does all this and becomes ever smarter, it consumes vast amounts of energy and raw materials. But what if it not only harms nature, but can also help it? Can AI save forests, water plants or translate animal voices?
In fact, living creatures such as insects or birds can become valuable data providers for AI applications - and help to recognise natural disasters or disease outbreaks at an early stage. Animal calls, for example, can be decoded with AI. They reveal whether an ecosystem is intact or out of balance.
These and other examples can be found in the new book "Kann KI die Natur retten?" in German language. It was written by biologist Dr Frauke Fischer from the University of Würzburg's Biocenter and economist Dr Hilke Oberhansberg.
What is Ingenious About Nature and Intelligent About AI
The authors explain how biodiversity and AI have developed. They describe what is ingenious about nature and what is intelligent about AI. They show where nature conservation and biodiversity can become more successful with intelligent AI applications. And they sound out where the limits and dangers lie and how humanity should deal with them - so that "well meant" becomes "well done".
According to the authors, animals and plants have developed abilities over millions of years that are superior to any AI application. The two scientists therefore also argue in favour of avoiding overconfidence: Biodiversity can only be preserved through the interaction of natural and artificial intelligence.
"A book for everyone who loves nature, finds technology exciting and wants to know where the journey is going!" This is how the publisher advertises the book on its website.
About Frauke Fischer
Biologist Dr Frauke Fischer founded the agency "auf!" in 2003, which advises companies on their commitment to sustainability, climate protection and the preservation of biodiversity. She is co-author of the book "Planet 3.0 - Klima.Leben.Zukunft" and has published "Der Palmöl-Kompass", "Was hat die Mücke je für uns getan?" and "Wal macht Wetter" with oekom-Verlag.
Publication
Frauke Fischer, Hilke Oberhansberg: "Kann KI die Natur retten? Chancen und Risiken der Technologie für unseren Planeten." oekom-Verlag 2025, ISBN: 978-3-98726-163-3, hardcover, 216 pages, 26 euros.
Information on the publisher's website (in German)
