Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental Sustainability

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Recently, experts have highlighted the use of AI in tackling environmental challenges.

AI is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, etc.

How can AI be used to tackle environmental challenges?

Prediction: AI can detect patterns in data, such as anomalies and similarities, and use historic knowledge to accurately predict future outcomes.
Monitoring: Tracking and mapping air pollution, deforestation, plastics in the ocean, icebergs etc.
- For instance, AI has been trained to measure changes in icebergs 10,000 times faster than a human could do it.
- UNEP utilizes AI for air pollution tracking via Global Environment Monitoring System Air Pollution Monitoring platform.

Facilitating Decarbonisation: AI is helping companies to track, trace and reduce their emissions by 20-30%.

High Power Consumption: ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search (International Energy Agency).
E- waste: Data centers hosting AI produce e-waste which often contains hazardous substances, like mercury and lead.
Over utilisation of resources: Consume large amounts of water, and rely on rare minerals which are mostly mined in unsustainable manner.

Countries can
- establish standardized procedures for measuring the environmental impact of AI
- encourage companies to green their data centres by using renewable energy
Governments can develop regulations that require companies to disclose the direct environmental consequences of AI-based products and services.
Tech companies can make AI algorithms more efficient, reducing their demand for energy, while recycling water and reusing components where feasible.