Chapter 14 - Application of artificial intelligence in environmental sustainability and climate change

Abstract

The artificial intelligence (AI) fast growth and its broad impact on various sectors need an evaluation of its effect on the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). AI is the biggest influence on the global economy. AI plays a very important role in achieving environmental sustainability—from ending hunger and poverty to achieving sustainable energy and gender equality for the protection and preservation of biodiversity. The SDGs are divided into three categories namely society, economy, and environment. This division allows us to come up with an overview of the general impact areas of AI. AI finds application in a wide array of environmental sectors, which include natural resource conservation, energy management, wildlife protection, pollution control and agriculture, clean energy, and waste management. AI will support energy systems having low carbon footprint with more energy efficiency, which are required to address climate change. AI can help in managing the complex ecosystem structure and functions effectively. Apart from above-mentioned applications it can also help in identifying desertification trends over large areas, in decision-making and environmental planning. Due to advent of many new technologies, AI can be now implemented in those countries which are having different cultural values and wealth. This has popularized the method all over the world. Advanced AI-based product design, technology, and research may require vast computational resources which can be made available through enormous computing centers. Such facilities require huge energy requirement and have massive carbon footprint. AI-based ecosystem information may cause exploitation of resources, although this kind of misuse has not been reported adequately. The AI development needs to be supported and guarded by the requisite regulatory body. The oversight will result in gaps in safety, transparency, and ethical standards. Today's need is to develop AI which is more eco-friendly not only today but for generations to come. ▪