Nathaniel Burola
AI & Environment Researcher

Driving climate innovation through AI, environmental policy, and responsible tech governance.Location: Washington, D.C.

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About

I'm an environmental researcher and strategist with a foundation in climate science, data analysis, and public policy. Over the past five years, I’ve led cross-sector collaborations, managed federal programs, and supported regulatory initiatives to advance sustainability and innovation. My work blends environmental data science, stakeholder engagement, and equity-centered policy design. Today, I focus on how emerging technologies especially AI can help solve complex environmental challenges such as climate change.

Public Engagements

Throughout 2025, I’m speaking at a range of events focused on climate tech, environmental applications of AI, and responsible technology governance. These are the confirmed ones so far:

• SIETAR AI Symposium (April 9,2025)
• PennWest AI Center Opening (April 17, 2025)
• More to Ethics Webinar (April 22, 2025)
• AI x Energy Deep Dive (May 24, 2025)
• The AI Sustainability Podcast (June 24, 2025)
• On AIR With Aashka Podcast (July 13, 2025)
• AI & Sustainability Webinar: How Tech Companies Can Balance Innovation and Climate Responsibility (August 20, 2025)

Projects

A selection of projects I’ve led or contributed to that explore the intersection of AI, climate innovation, and community-centered impact:

• The AI & Environment Resource Hub

An open-access database of 1,000+ resources tracking how AI is being applied to solve environmental problems.

• Environmental AI Policy Tracker

This is a mini policy tracker designed to surface environmental governance efforts around AI infrastructure and water consumption. It focuses on five countries with significant AI and data center development: the United States, China, France, Brazil, and Japan. This database is meant to serve as a testing ground for future environmental AI governance tools. It is also complemented by an experimental GPT assistant called Aqualex.

• AI x Energy: Real Applications for Climate Impact

This presentation explores real world applications of AI in the energy sector, showcasing how AI and machine learning are driving climate solutions across the grid, renewables, storage, and beyond. It features over 40 company examples to illustrate practical use cases across the AI and energy landscape. The accompanying mind map highlights key themes, tools, and actors shaping this fast-evolving field and offers a clear snapshot of emerging trends.

Skills and Tools

A blend of tools, methods, and focus areas that support my work at the intersection of AI, climate innovation, and equity-centered systems design:

Let's Connect

Curious to chat or collaborate? Let’s connect.🤝

• LinkedIn
• Meetings