IBM just launched their Sustainability Accelerator, a global pro bono social impact program that will apply IBM technologies, like hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale organization operations, focused on populations vulnerable to environmental threats such as climate change.
“We believe that the power of science, technology, and innovation can help tackle environmental issues while serving vulnerable communities exposed to environmental hazards. By pairing expertise and technology with the goal of improving the lives of populations most affected by environmental threats, we have the potential to make a lasting, scalable impact,” said Justina Nixon, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG at IBM.
In 2021, a pilot project with three inaugural participants of the Sustainability Accelerator was conducted; it included Heifer International, which is working with the tech giant to help deliver sustainable agriculture solutions in Malawi.
While it contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa’s low adaptive capacity makes it significantly more vulnerable to climate change.
Heifer International has now successfully finished phase 1 of the project and is working with IBM to create scalable and affordable digital solutions which will be designed to equip farmers in Malawi with weather and crop yield forecasts to help increase their products and incomes.
