Foreword

AI/ML has taken the world by storm and is causing disruption at all levels of society and science. Fortunately, it comes as we transition into the new era of data-intensive computing, and a corresponding retake of computing architecture itself. Thus, there is the wonderful convergence of possibilities – voluminous Earth Observation data, new systems hardware choices, and powerful new software prediction tools.

Like all eras of rapid innovation, we can expect to see a hybrid world of young and old blended systems as this global transition forges ahead. But most of all, we need clear thinking, clean definitions, yet adaptability and flexibility, as we lay down our roadmap of opportunity.

This book, Artificial Intelligence and Systems of the Earth, is a major contribution to the road ahead. It is a clear and precise summary of how these matters fit together at the fundamental level, and behaves as an over-the-horizon radar so to speak, of what’s in store for both the professional and the public at large.

Combining developments of the recent past with breakthroughs of the present day, author Dr. Michel Speiser has built a bridge to our future – a book with countless chapters yet to be written, thus the parallel online version.

Emanating from work at the Geneva-based ICES Foundation, Dr. Speiser craftily helps us achieve that all elusive holistic view of Planet Earth, with its multitude of interacting and intersecting subsystems, co-existing and co-evolving within Nature at the micro, meso and macro levels.

The Symbiosis of Science, Society and Nature is at the heart of our mission in the ICES Foundation, and we stand in awe of the immensity of the challenge.

Within such complexity, how exactly do we achieve that perfect balance and harmony on Earth for all life forms - that dynamic equilibrium and confidence in the predictability of our future? No matter how you answer such important questions, you will be amazed at the speed of progress brought about by the convergence of capabilities and insights already achieved by the AI/ML revolution that is now upon us. By means of this book, help is truly at hand.

Bob Bishop
President & Founder
ICES Foundation
https://icesfoundation.org

April 2024