In the face of growing environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, effective environmental education for young people is becoming a priority. Traditional teaching methods often fail to sufficiently engage young people, especially so-called digital natives. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers groundbreaking opportunities for personalization, engagement, and the effectiveness of environmental education.
Contemporary challenges of environmental education
Research indicates a gap between ecological awareness and real actions taken by young people. The complexity of environmental processes, lack of direct contact with nature (especially in cities), and information overload often lead to discouragement or so-called eco-anxiety. European competence frameworks, such as GreenComp, emphasize the need to develop not only knowledge, but also systems thinking, future-oriented skills, and action competence.
AI as a tool for change
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize environmental education through:
Immersive educational experiences – Platforms such as Google Earth Voyager or NASA’s Eyes on the Earth use AI to present complex environmental phenomena in an accessible way. Environmental simulations (e.g., En-ROADS, EcoMOD) allow students to experiment with different climate scenarios and instantly observe their outcomes.
Personalized learning pathways – AI-based educational systems like National Geographic Education or Labster Virtual Labs tailor content to individual students’ needs and interests, helping to bridge gaps in knowledge and motivation.
Citizen science and data collection – Applications such as iNaturalist or Merlin Bird ID enable the identification of plant and animal species through photos, while environmental monitoring platforms (e.g., Earth Challenge 2020) engage students in collecting and analyzing data for real scientific research.
Developing creativity and problem-solving – AI tools support the design of innovative solutions (e.g., Tinkercad, Autodesk Fusion 360), while initiatives such as AI4Good Lab connect technological education with sustainable development challenges.
Benefits and challenges
AI increases engagement, accessibility (e.g., through image recognition or translation features), and enables education to be scaled at relatively low cost. It supports the development of digital and scientific skills, preparing young people to become informed citizens. At the same time, there are challenges: the digital divide, the environmental footprint of AI technologies, data privacy issues, and the risk of detaching education from direct experiences with nature. Achieving a balance between technology and authentic contact with the natural world is essential.