Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Climate-Responsive Social Protection Systems

SPRI Global contributed to a new peer-reviewed publication exploring how AI can improve the effectiveness and fairness of social protection in climate-vulnerable settings.

In “Artificial Intelligence in Adaptive Social Protection: Expanding Human Capabilities for Climate Resilience”, published in the Journal of Human Development & Capabilities, we examine the intersection of digital technology and social policy in the face of climate change. The article was developed as part of a special policy forum on “AI and Human Development” and builds on our input to the 2025 Human Development Report.

Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) is designed to combine routine social support with systems that can respond to shocks like climate disasters. Our paper explores how artificial intelligence, from predictive analytics to digital targeting, can enhance ASP’s ability to protect and empower people most at risk.

The publication is grounded in the Capability Approach, which ensures that AI tools serve human development and equity rather than eroding rights or trust. We propose nine concrete recommendations to guide responsible AI use in social protection.

Read the full article:
Artificial Intelligence in Adaptive Social Protection: Expanding Human Capabilities for Climate Resilience