AI-Driven UAV Systems for Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Agriculture: Toward Data-Driven Climate Governance

Technological innovation has emerged as a critical driver for achieving sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience. This paper presents an integrated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven framework for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)–based environmental monitoring, designed to optimize agricultural resource use and support evidence-based climate governance. Drawing from field studies conducted in semi-arid regions of Northern India, the proposed system combines multispectral UAV imagery, IoT-enabled sensors, and AI-based analytics to quantify water, energy, and pesticide efficiencies within crop ecosystems. The resulting data are processed through a life cycle assessment (LCA) module to evaluate emission intensity, resource consumption, and environmental trade-offs.

By linking UAV-generated data with sustainability indicators and atmospheric models, the framework enables real-time decision support for precision spraying, fertigation, and adaptive resource management. The study also introduces an AI-powered anomaly detection algorithm for identifying crop stress and microclimatic variability, contributing to early warning systems for drought or pest outbreaks. Results demonstrate that integrating UAV–AI systems with field-level meteorological and soil datasets can reduce environmental impact factors by up to 40% while improving yield sustainability.

Beyond technological performance, the paper situates these innovations within the broader context of climate governance and data equity. It emphasizes the potential of AI-enabled UAV technologies to enhance transparency in monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. The discussion further highlights their relevance for the Global South, where scalable, low-cost digital solutions can democratize access to environmental intelligence. Ultimately, this work advances Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2, 9, 12, and 13) by promoting responsible innovation, sustainable production, and resilient agricultural systems.