In this blog post, I will explore the intersection of AI and ethics. You can read a more detailed blog post about ethics and AI here.
It is up to all of us to be involved in the discussions about what we are building and to move away from AI being designed and used in a way that leads to concentrated power and control by a few individuals. Responsibility and accountability for the well-being of human beings as well as the environment are vital, otherwise, what kind of future can we expect?
Promoting transparency, establishing clear guidelines for responsible AI development, and fostering ongoing dialogue are crucial steps towards ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity while mitigating potential harms. We might still be in the early stages of addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI, nevertheless, there are principles developed by, for example, UNESCO, the EU and the OECD. The rapid pace of AI development necessitates a proactive and collaborative approach, bringing together technologists, policymakers, ethicists, and the public to forge a future where AI benefits all of humanity.
The conversation is happening, but the urgency must increase. We must move beyond theoretical discussions and implement practical solutions to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly, ethically, and for the benefit of all. And sometimes this work started with ourselves rather than the big companies and organisations, although I do think that they should invite people from all sorts of backgrounds when they are developing their frameworks and values statements!
Below is my first attempt to create a Values Statement!
For more blog posts about Ethics, AI and Nature, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry is the practice of looking to nature for solutions, then applying what we learn to design and problem-solving. Instead of inventing from scratch, it means studying how plants, animals, and ecosystems have already solved a challenge — like staying cool, collecting water, or absorbing carbon — and adapting that strategy for human use.
How does biomimicry help address climate change?
Nature has been adapting to extreme conditions for billions of years, so many organisms already hold working solutions to problems we now face at a larger scale — cooling buildings without electricity (termite mounds), collecting water in drought (the Namib beetle), protecting coastlines from storms (mangrove roots), and capturing carbon (corals, forests, kelp). Biomimicry means studying those solutions and applying the same principles to human design.
How can children get involved in biomimicry?
Children don’t need special training to think like a biomimicrist — just curiosity and a habit of asking “how does nature solve this?” Simple ways to start include a backyard scavenger hunt for nature’s patterns, a “design-an-animal” challenge for a changing climate, or building a small model (like a passive-cooling structure or a water collector) inspired by something they’ve observed outdoors.
Is biomimicry only for scientists and engineers?
No — biomimicry is as much a mindset as a profession. Anyone can practice it by observing nature closely and asking design questions. Professional biomimicry practitioners apply it in architecture, materials science, and engineering, but the same core skill — careful observation followed by “what if we built it that way?” — is exactly what this post’s classroom and family activities are designed to build in children.
Åsa Jomård
In 2015, Åsa completed a course in Biomimicry: A Sustainable Design Methodology at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. With over 10 years of experience exploring nature for inspiration and as a former member of Ben, Biomimicry Education Network, she brings both academic background and creative teaching experience to her work. Her materials seamlessly integrate stories, nature observations, and design challenges, making them perfect for inquiry-led learning in early primary contexts.
AI was used as a Thinking Partner.