Bridging Knowledge and Action: AI in Environmental Education for Sustainability Impact

The field of environmental education is undergoing rapid transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly leveraged to address critical gaps in knowledge, values, motivation, and behavior related to global environmental challenges. Recent developments in AI-driven technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, digital twins, and personalized interactive platforms, have significantly improved the immersive quality and relevance of learning experiences. These advancements enable individuals and communities to understand complex environmental issues more deeply, fostering empathy and engagement that are essential for collective action. Notably, platforms like OceanChat, WWT Together, NASA’s GLOBE Observer, and Microsoft’s AI for Earth illustrate the diverse and growing potential of AI to enable environmentally focused education across different user groups and thematic areas. Despite these innovations, challenges remain in ensuring equity, efficacy, contextual adaptation, and the systematic conversion of knowledge into sustained, responsible action at scale.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding and adoption of AI-assisted environmental education as a catalyst for accelerating progress on planetary sustainability. Central questions include: How can AI technologies be designed and implemented to more effectively promote environmental knowledge, values, and behavior across sectors? How can AI tools be leveraged to support evidence-based decision-making and encourage measurable, responsible action towards goals aligned with global sustainability frameworks, specifically the United Nations Sustainability Goals?This Research Topic focuses on the opportunities, challenges, and outcomes of integrating AI into environmental education, targeting interventions that span multiple sectors and educational contexts. We seek submissions exploring a wide variety of perspectives and solutions, with an emphasis on direct contributions to sustainability outcomes. To gather further insights in this cross-disciplinary field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Design and evaluation of AI-powered learning tools for environmental education• Strategies for enhancing environmental awareness and motivation using AI• AI-driven monitoring, prediction, and communication of environmental challenges• Pedagogical innovations and case studies in AI-supported environmental programs• Approaches to fostering environmentally responsible behaviors at different scales• Inclusive and ethical considerations in AI-based educational solutions• Applications of AI-driven education in the context of the UN Sustainability GoalsArticles focusing on the general public, educational institutions, businesses, industry, regulatory agencies, and policy makers are encouraged. Contributions that address Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land are particularly welcomed.Note: Only manuscripts that directly address the use, impact, or integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental education and its contribution to sustainability will be considered for this Research Topic. Submissions that do not explicitly demonstrate this link will not be accepted and should not be submitted. Topic editors: Boyang Zhang, Yanqin Huang, Costanza Scopetani, Yan Sun, Baoqing Li Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76663/bridging-knowledge-and-action-ai-in-environmental-education-for-sustainability-impact