An AI-based framework for harmonizing climate policies and projects with the SDGs

Objective
In this project, we propose to extend current assessments of the various synergies and trade-offs among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations (UN) via methods based on artificial intelligence (AI). The project will also strengthen the collaboration between Digital Futures and the KTH Climate Action Centre.

The proposed research project is relevant due to the pressing need to develop a policy that enables, rather than inhibits, sustainable development. Furthermore, including AI-based methods in governance actions and development programs is essential.

Background
This is currently an active area of research, where several studies have started to document the interactions among SDGs systematically. As this type of work is extremely relevant for policymakers, as well as to guide promising research directions to explore by funding agencies, we will:

• Compare AI-based analyses with expert-based studies.
• Systematically assess (via AI methods) synergy and trade-offs connected to climate policy decisions in the context of the SDGs.
• In the final stage, employ reinforcement-learning-based methods to design novel and efficient strategies for policy development, maximizing the opportunities among SDG actions and avoiding the pitfalls.

Crossdisciplinary collaboration
The researchers in the team represent the KTH Schools of Engineering Sciences, the Department of Engineering Mechanics, the School of Industrial Engineering and Management, and the Climate Action Centre.

Watch the recorded presentation at the Digitalize in Stockholm 2023 event: