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%.
Negative impacts of AI on environment
- 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.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations for effective utilisation of AI
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