AI & ENVIRONMENT
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is one of such mining, without efficient mitigation the most consequential technologies today. measures, puts more pressure on natural It is dramaticalluy changing the world, ressoures, damaging biodiversitu, pollut-a;teromg bisomess models and ushering in ing air and spewing GHG. Waste and transformational development in educa- e-waste produced during the life cycle of tion, healthcare, communication, and agri- digital technologies is another emerging culture, to name a few. It has introduced problem.
efficiencies to our workplaces, improved Fortunately, these problems can be industrial productivity, optimised resource solved through a strategy that incorporates use and reduced waste. AI’s rapid rise is AI’s pros and cons. The Summit of the attributed to availability of data and a phe-Furure last September acknowledged AI,S nomenal growth in computational power. promise to accelerate progress across the AI has also furnished new tools to SDGSs and address its possible negative address environmental issues and climate impacts on theenvironment and other change. From spotting smog in the sky and areas. But how can this promise be realised change. From spotting smog in the sky and areas. But how can this promise be realised detecting deforestation on the land to urgently? The missing link between AI’S minding microplastics is tremendous. AI- based early advantage is a regulatory regime.
warning systems predict cyclones, or rains International discourse on the issue has and minimise the extent of damage. generally revolved around matters of pri-Forecasts about droughts and heatwaves vacy, and disingormation, etc, but environ-provide timely information to vulnerable mental costs are now part of it. communities. AI-generated techniques in Governments and tech companies_lead-smart agriculture help farmers cope with ers in deploying AI at scale_concede that water stress, prevent waste, optimise crop environmertal impacts will need to be yield and ensure food security.
A global dialogue on AI governance has been initiated.
But AI can also harm our fragile planet. AI is power humgry. Data collection, stor-age and application require an elavorate system of energy-intense daya centres. A rise in AI deplyment means a rise in the number of data centres with a commensu- rate demand for power. A rise in the
