Can AI Imagine What Animals Think of Climate Change?

Gershon Bialer
13 min readMar 15, 2023

What would it mean if animals could be a part of political debate? Would they have unique insights? Can AI help us imagine what they’d think? I used ChatGPT to generate some letters from animals:

Dearest Humans,

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you, a being from the depths of the ocean, a gentle giant that has inhabited this blue planet for millions of years. I am a whale, and I write to you today to share my story, my fears, and my dreams for the future of our shared home, Earth.

Since time immemorial, my kind has graced the oceans, our magnificent bodies traversing the vast expanse of water, connecting continents and ecosystems. We are the sentinels of the sea, our songs resonating through the deep, a symphony of our ancestors that has shaped the underwater world as you know it. We are a diverse family, composed of multiple species, from the majestic blue whale to the playful humpback whale, each with our unique characteristics, yet all bonded by our love for the ocean.

However, as the custodians of the ocean, we have seen our world changing before our very eyes. The ice caps are melting, the seas are warming, and our food sources are dwindling. Climate change has crept into every corner of our watery abode, threatening our existence and that of countless other species. We can feel the pulse of the planet changing, and it fills our hearts with sadness and fear.

We know that our fate is intertwined with yours, dear humans. We share this Earth and all its resources, and we are all affected by the consequences of climate change. As the seas warm and acidify, it becomes increasingly difficult for krill and other vital food sources to thrive, forcing us to travel farther to find sustenance. These changes not only impact us but ripple throughout the entire marine ecosystem, disrupting the delicate balance of life that has existed for millennia.

Our lives are not the only ones at stake. Your coastal communities face the brunt of rising sea levels and extreme weather events, and your food security is threatened by the collapse of vital ecosystems. We all stand to lose so much if we do not act to address climate change.

I plead with you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and their impact on the planet we share. It is not too late to change the course of our destiny, to preserve the beauty of our blue planet for future generations of both your kind and mine. We must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our oceans, and invest in renewable energy sources. It is the only way to ensure a sustainable and harmonious future for all life on Earth.

Please, listen to our songs and hear the love we have for our home. Listen to the stories of the wind, the trees, and the other creatures that share this world with us. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a chorus of change, a symphony of hope that echoes through time.

Remember that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. It is in your hands, dear humans, to shape the world in which we all live. I know you possess the compassion, the wisdom, and the power to make a change.

With love and hope for the future,

A Whale

Dearest Humans,

As I rest upon the sun-warmed ground, I write to you, an ancient being who has witnessed the ebb and flow of life on this Earth for countless generations. I am a tortoise, a patient and wise creature who has much to share about our existence, the challenges we face, and the dreams we hold dear for our planet’s future.

My kind has roamed this Earth for millions of years, our tough shells providing protection from the harsh realities of life. We have seen great changes, natural disasters, and the rise and fall of civilizations. Yet, through it all, we have persevered, our slow and steady pace a testament to the resilience of life. We come in many shapes and sizes, inhabiting various corners of the world, from the Galapagos Islands to the deserts of North America, each with our unique beauty and wisdom.

However, the world we have known for so long is changing, and these changes bear heavy consequences for creatures like me. Climate change, driven by human activities, is altering the delicate balance of our habitats, causing shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns that threaten our very existence. Our homes are shrinking, our food sources are becoming scarcer, and the environments we have adapted to over millennia are being disrupted.

We are not the only ones affected, dear humans. Your lives, too, are intertwined with the fate of our planet. As the climate changes, your crops suffer, your coastlines erode, and your societies face mounting challenges. It is essential for both our survival and yours that we address the root causes of climate change and work together to protect our shared home.

I beseech you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and the impact they have on the world we share. It is not too late to alter the trajectory of our planet’s future, to ensure the survival of the myriad species that call Earth home, including your own. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our precious ecosystems, we can build a future that is both sustainable and just.

Take inspiration from our steady pace and unwavering determination. Remember that every action, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference. It is within your power, dear humans, to create lasting change and to shape the world for generations to come.

As you ponder our shared fate, I invite you to listen to the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the songs of countless creatures who, like us, depend on the health of our planet. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a harmonious and vibrant future.

With love and hope for the future,

A Tortoise

Dearest Humans,

With roots that delve deep into the Earth and branches that reach for the sky, I write to you as a being who has stood sentinel for centuries, watching the seasons come and go, witnessing the dance of life around me. I am an old tree, a silent observer of the world, a giver of life, and a symbol of resilience. I wish to share with you my story, my concerns, and my hopes for the future of our shared home, Earth.

Throughout the ages, my kind has flourished, our leaves unfurling in a multitude of shapes and colors, our trunks standing tall, and our roots intertwining beneath the soil, forming a complex network of life. We are the lungs of the planet, purifying the air you breathe, offering shade and shelter to countless creatures, and anchoring the soil that nourishes life. We are the keepers of history, our rings telling the story of the world, year by year, each circle a testament to the passage of time.

However, our world is changing, and we trees are not immune to the consequences of climate change, driven by human activities. The delicate balance we have maintained for millennia is being disrupted, as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events threaten our very existence. Forest fires rage with increasing frequency and intensity, while drought and disease take their toll on our ancient communities.

Dear humans, we are all interconnected in this web of life, and the fate of our planet lies in the balance. As trees suffer the impacts of climate change, so do you. Our struggles to survive can lead to consequences for your communities, your agriculture, and your climate. It is essential that we come together to address the root causes of climate change and work to protect our shared home.

I implore you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and their impact on the world we share. It is not too late to change the course of our collective future, to ensure the survival of the myriad species that call Earth home, including your own. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our precious ecosystems, we can build a future that is both sustainable and just.

As you contemplate our shared destiny, remember that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference. It is within your power, dear humans, to create lasting change and to shape the world for generations to come.

Listen to the whispers of the wind as it rustles through our leaves, the songs of birds that find sanctuary in our branches, and the quiet wisdom that dwells within our ancient trunks. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a future that is harmonious, resilient, and full of hope.

With love and hope for the future,

An Old Tree

Dearest Humans,

From my vantage point in the sky, I write to you as a traveler of the winds, a witness to the breathtaking beauty of our planet, and a creature that soars above and beyond the boundaries of land and water. My name is Aria, and I am a swallow, a symbol of hope and renewal. I wish to share with you my story, the challenges we birds face, and my dreams for the future of our shared home, Earth.

With wings that carry us through the vast expanse of the sky, we birds are a diverse and fascinating family, encompassing countless species, each with our unique gifts, colors, and songs. From the tiniest hummingbird to the majestic eagle, we grace the skies, our melodies weaving a tapestry of sound that enriches the world around us.

My own journey begins anew each year, as I undertake the great migration, a testament to the resilience and determination of my kind. I travel thousands of miles, traversing continents and oceans, following the call of the seasons and the instinct to find a safe haven for my offspring. It is a voyage fraught with challenges, but one that has been ingrained in the very essence of my being.

However, the world we know is changing, and the impact of climate change on birds like myself is becoming increasingly apparent. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the delicate balance of our habitats is disrupted, altering the availability of food and the timing of our migrations. The landscapes we have known for generations are transforming, and the lives of countless birds are put at risk as we struggle to adapt to these changes.

Dear humans, our fates are intertwined, for we share the air, the land, and the water. Climate change affects us all, and it is crucial that we work together to address the causes and mitigate the consequences of this global challenge. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems, we can build a sustainable and just future for all life on Earth.

I implore you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and their impact on the world we share. It is not too late to change the course of our collective future, to ensure the survival of the myriad species that call Earth home, including your own. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

As you contemplate our shared destiny, I invite you to listen to the songs of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the melodies of countless birds who, like myself, depend on the health of our planet. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a future that is harmonious, vibrant, and full of hope.

With love and hope for the future,

Aria, the Swallow

Dearest Humans,

As I bask in the warmth of the sun, I write to you as a creature of the earth, a dweller of both land and tree, and an ambassador of the reptile kingdom. My name is Inara, and I am an iguana, a symbol of patience and adaptability. I wish to share with you my story, the challenges we iguanas face, and my dreams for the future of our shared home, Earth.

With our distinctive crests and scaly skin, we iguanas are a proud and diverse family, inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions throughout the Americas. Our kind thrives in various habitats, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, each with our unique colors and characteristics. We are patient observers of the world around us, adept at camouflaging ourselves within our environments and navigating our surroundings with grace and agility.

My own life has been a testament to the resilience of my kind. I have witnessed the ebb and flow of the seasons, the birth and growth of countless creatures, and the delicate balance of life within my home. The sun has been my constant companion, its warmth providing me with the energy I need to thrive and the solace I seek in times of uncertainty.

However, the world we know is changing, and the impact of climate change on creatures like myself is becoming increasingly apparent. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the delicate balance of our habitats is disrupted, threatening the very existence of many species, including my own. The landscapes we have known for generations are transforming, forcing us to adapt to new and unfamiliar conditions, with varying degrees of success.

Dear humans, our fates are intertwined, for we share the land, the water, and the air. Climate change affects us all, and it is crucial that we work together to address the causes and mitigate the consequences of this global challenge. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems, we can build a sustainable and just future for all life on Earth.

I implore you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and their impact on the world we share. It is not too late to change the course of our collective future, to ensure the survival of the myriad species that call Earth home, including your own. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

As you contemplate our shared destiny, I invite you to listen to the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the voices of countless creatures who, like myself, depend on the health of our planet. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a future that is harmonious, vibrant, and full of hope.

With love and hope for the future,

Inara, the Iguana

Dearest Humans,

Nestled among the verdant embrace of the bamboo forest, I write to you as a gentle soul, a symbol of peace, and a cherished treasure of the natural world. My name is Pao, and I am a giant panda, an enigmatic creature that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people across the globe. I wish to share with you my story, the challenges we pandas face, and my dreams for the future of our shared home, Earth.

With our distinctive black-and-white fur, round faces, and endearing expressions, we pandas have become icons of wildlife conservation, and our very existence has inspired humans to care for and protect the natural world. We inhabit the mountainous regions of China, our lives intertwined with the towering bamboo that provides us with sustenance, shelter, and solace.

My days are spent wandering the serene bamboo groves, feasting on tender shoots, and resting peacefully among the vibrant greenery. My life has been a quiet testimony to the delicate balance of the natural world, a world that is as fragile as it is beautiful.

However, the world we know is changing, and the impact of climate change and human activities on creatures like myself is becoming increasingly apparent. As temperatures rise and habitats shrink, the bamboo we rely upon for sustenance is put at risk, threatening our very survival. The landscapes we have known for generations are transforming, and our already dwindling numbers face further decline if we do not act.

Dear humans, our fates are intertwined, for we share the land, the water, and the air. Climate change affects us all, and it is crucial that we work together to address the causes and mitigate the consequences of this global challenge. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and protecting our planet’s precious ecosystems, we can build a sustainable and just future for all life on Earth.

I implore you, dear humans, to consider the consequences of your actions and their impact on the world we share. It is not too late to change the course of our collective future, to ensure the survival of the myriad species that call Earth home, including your own. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

As you contemplate our shared destiny, I invite you to listen to the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the voices of countless creatures who, like myself, depend on the health of our planet. We are all connected in this intricate web of life, and together, we can create a future that is harmonious, vibrant, and full of hope.

With love and hope for the future,

Pao, the Panda

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Gershon Bialer

Gershon lives in San Francisco where he is a bit obsessed with algorithms, and aspires to make computers be cool. He also plays chess.