The Catalyst Editorial
With the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence is making a huge impact across all sectors. It is also important to note that the environment has not remained untouched by AI’s virtues. In the field of environment, it has proven its mettle and has become a valuable tool for building a sustainable planet. Currently, adverse climatic conditions have become a major concern for nations and efforts have been made to monitor them and find solutions as quickly as possible.
On World Environment Day, The Catalyst talks about 5 ways in which artificial intelligence can be used to support environmental sustainability.
Saving Energy
It is possible to predict the energy efficiency of buildings, commercial spaces, and industries using artificial intelligence. It is also capable of identifying areas of energy waste and suggesting ways of reducing it. To minimize energy waste, machine learning algorithms can predict energy consumption and adapt output as needed.
Sustainable Farming
When an agro-based economy analyses soil data, predicts crop yields, and identifies pest problems and seasonal outbreaks, sustainable agriculture practices are possible. This can help farmers optimize their crop production and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. AI tools related to irrigation management, weather forecasting, livestock health monitoring are boon.
Utilizing Renewable Energy
Nations are now experimenting with alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power. AI can be of significant help in the development of these energy sources by predicting energy output, evaluating performance, and timely maintenance. Many top AI start-ups are developing artificial intelligence for energy efficiency. Octopus Energy has developed a cloud-based smart grid platform and provides fair prices forever and greener energy from the UK’s largest solar investor.
Enhancing logistics and transportation
Using artificial intelligence, supply chain and logistics providers can optimize routes and loading capacities. Furthermore, it can reduce fuel waste by analyzing traffic patterns and deploying vehicles as needed. The onset of electric vehicle and charging stations reachable along routes, emissions are becoming easier to tackle.
Climate Change
Vast data sets related to greenhouse gas emissions, weather patterns, and other environmental factors can be addressed with AI. The policy makers can devise strategies for reducing emissions and countering the impacts of climate change. IBM’s Wastson is an absolute powerhouse for weather forecasting and climate modeling, decoding weather patterns and making predictions.
Countries using Artificial Intelligence to address climate concerns
To combat climate change, India is utilizing AI and IoT. AI serves as a means of analysis, while IoT serves as a mechanism for gathering information through sensors. Germany’s manufacturing industry uses AI innovations to streamline product improvement and creation and sees enormous potential for reducing their energy and resource consumption. Russia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The USA’s goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Technology, when used responsibly, has more powerful and beneficial effects. When we develop and use AI technologies within norms focusing on sustainability, equity, and social and environmental well-being, it can deliver promising results for the environment.
