Computer scientist Carla Gomes has seen excitement about computational sustainability grow dramatically since she helped pioneer the field some 15 years ago. “We showed you can have an impact in the world and in computer science addressing these challenges,” Gomes said. “The questions are so challenging that they do lead to fundamental advances in AI.” As director of the Institute for Computational Sustainability, Gomes has applied AI and machine learning methodologies to predict bird distributions, design grizzly bear conservation corridors, discover clean energy materials and, recently, assess the placement of hydropower dams in the Amazon basin. The research allows policymakers to play “what if” games based on different criteria and scales, Gomes said, and identify harmful outcomes. “AI is changing the world, and the next frontier is AI for science and sustainability,” she said. “What really drives me is addressing meaningful questions, while also advancing AI.”