Where AI Helps Climate Science and Where It Doesn't with Dr Neelesh Rampal

Human In The Loop · Aug 7, 2026 · 1h 20m

Dr Neelesh Rampal is a climate data scientist at Earth Sciences New Zealand who uses generative AI to understand how record-shattering events like the Auckland Anniversary floods will change as the planet warms. He also co-leads a global task force setting responsible standards for AI in regional climate modelling, as many of the tech giants race into the field.

Neelesh taught himself machine learning, won $1M in competitive Smart Ideas funding with no initial grant-writing experience, used it to help fund his own PhD (completed in two and a half years, full-time), then won a second bid. He…