Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to have a transformative impact on the natural sciences by enhancing modeling capabilities and improving the prediction of natural phenomena across multiple spatial and temporal scales. This talk will highlight the urgency of coordinated scientific and regulatory initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of our planet. It will also provide an overview of recent advances in AI-driven approaches within the environmental domain, with a particular focus on solutions for coastal and marine ecosystem monitoring. Finally, the presentation will offer ideas on potential future developments from a modeling perspective, underscoring emerging directions and opportunities for interdisciplinary research.