The landscape of environmental conservation has changed dramatically, and it is now much harder to predict where someone will be in their career five or ten years from now. It used to basically be straightforward. If you were a marine biologist, for example, you could reasonably anticipate what your job would look like over time: internship, field work, lab work, data, spreadsheets, applying for funding, then considering quitting and becoming yoga instructor (we’ve all been there). Common interview questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” made sense because, while demanding, the field was relatively stable. Now, with the rapid emergence of new technologies, innovation, and artificial intelligence, the ability to predict a career path in conservation is becoming less clear. In fact, this unpredictability might be one of the defining features of careers in conservation going forward.
Take the example of a marine biologist doing fish transects. Only a few years ago, it was routine for someone to spend hours in the water with a waterproof clipboard and pencil, counting fish species and documenting their findings manually. This data would then be analyzed after returning to the surface, often taking weeks to process. Fast forward to today, and much of this fieldwork can now be automated. Drones and underwater remote sensing technologies, coupled with AI, can now scan, document, and process this information more quickly and accurately than a human can, reducing the time spent in the water and allowing scientists to focus on analyzing and interpreting the results instead of simply collecting data. The rise of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and AI-powered image recognition software is just one example of how traditional conservation methods are being outpaced by technology (source: https://www.wwf.org.uk/wildlife-technology).
In this rapidly changing landscape, the most responsible thing a conservation professional can do is stay ahead of the technological curve. By embracing new technologies and constantly learning, you protect yourself from being left behind. It’s easy to dismiss platforms like TikTok as irrelevant to the field of conservation, but, as a communications tool, social media has become essential in raising awareness and garnering support for environmental causes. I myself didn’t buy into a handful of social media platforms, but it turns out that staying ahead of these trends is crucial. As technologies evolve, so too do the ways we communicate, research, and interact with the natural world. Not keeping up with these trends can leave you feeling like you’re left behind.
We’ve already seen some traditional practices become obsolete. For example, manual wildlife tracking, which once relied on extensive fieldwork and visual confirmation, has been supplanted by satellite tracking collars, drone surveillance, and AI-driven data analysis. Conservationists who fail to learn and adapt to these advancements risk being left behind as technology takes over core functions of the field. For instance, AI and machine learning are now being used to identify endangered species through sound analysis in remote ecosystems. Acoustic sensors in forests can detect species based on their calls, while AI sorts through the data much faster than a team of human analysts could (source: https://theconversation.com/could-ai-help-save-the-planet). This shift from hands-on fieldwork to tech-based monitoring represents a significant change in the career paths of those in the conservation space.
Looking to the future, technology and AI will continue to shape the conservation field in ways we are only beginning to imagine. AI can improve decision-making by predicting the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, helping conservationists allocate resources more effectively. For example, AI can help identify areas most vulnerable to deforestation, so governments and NGOs can prioritize their efforts. Blockchain technology may also help track the trade of species by creating transparent, unalterable records that follow the wildlife from capture to sale. In terms of AI’s future applications, we can expect AI-driven tools to help model ocean ecosystems under different climate scenarios, guiding policy decisions that could mitigate further damage.
With these advancements come new challenges. Technology doesn’t only benefit conservationists, it can also be exploited by those who harm wildlife. Poachers can use drones, GPS, and AI tools to track down endangered species more efficiently, posing a significant threat to the very ecosystems we are trying to protect. The same technology that helps us monitor animals for research can be used by those in illegal wildlife trade to locate and capture them. This dual-edged sword of technological innovation requires conservationists to remain vigilant and develop counter-technologies to safeguard wildlife.
So, how does the average person working in conservation stay on top of these rapidly changing trends? Especially for those who do not have the funds to attend conferences or enroll in specialized courses, staying ahead of the curve might seem daunting. However, there are accessible ways to continue learning.
First, online courses and webinars are excellent tools for staying current. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and even YouTube offer a wide range of free or affordable courses on AI, data science, and conservation technologies. The University of Helsinki, for example, offers a popular free course on the fundamentals of AI (source: https://www.elementsofai.com/). Keeping an eye on conservation-specific webinars, such as those offered by the Conservation Technology Hub (source: https://conservationx.com), can also help you stay updated on how new tools are being applied in the field. Subscribing to newsletters and reading tech publications like Wired or TechCrunch will give you insights into broader technology trends that could impact conservation.
Another practical step is engaging with online communities. LinkedIn groups dedicated to conservation and technology offer valuable networking opportunities. You can also join virtual meetups or participate in hackathons that focus on environmental issues. Staying active in these spaces helps you learn from others who are already embracing new technologies.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of experimenting. Even if you can’t afford expensive equipment or software, there are often free versions of technology that can allow you to test and learn. For example, Google Earth Engine offers free access to satellite imagery and geospatial analysis tools, enabling conservationists to monitor changes in land use or track deforestation rates from anywhere in the world (source: https://earthengine.google.com/). Playing around with these tools can help you understand their potential without the need for a large financial investment.
The future of conservation will undoubtedly be shaped by AI and technology. On the one hand, these innovations promise to revolutionize the field, allowing conservationists to work more effectively and efficiently. On the other, they also present new ethical dilemmas and threats to wildlife that we need to confront. To stay competitive in the conservation field, professionals must remain flexible and open to learning about these new tools, even if they seem outside the realm of traditional conservation work. While we may not be able to predict where our careers will take us in five, ten years… or when we throw in the towel to start teaching yoga, we can be certain that staying on top of technological trends will be key to remaining relevant in the ever-evolving world of conservation.
By Giacomo Abrusci
