Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technological marvel; it has the potential to be a powerful force for environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with pressing challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and habitat loss, AI emerges as a critical tool in our efforts to address these issues. Here’s how AI can help drive sustainability:
Climate Change Mitigation
AI can be a game-changer in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change. AI-driven systems optimize energy consumption, making buildings, transportation, and industries more energy-efficient. Machine learning models predict energy demand, enabling better management of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. AI also aids in climate modelling and extreme weather prediction, assisting governments and organizations in implementing proactive measures. Buildings are responsible for 40% of carbon emissions globally. The London-based company Mortar IO uses AI to digitize and quickly plan carbon reduction for thousands of buildings. These automated digital audits help organizations understand how to achieve net zero for entire real estate portfolios in minutes, rather than months. California startup Refiberd uses AI and robotics-based recycling system to accurately sort textiles by material, including hard-to-separate fabric blends. Eugenie.ai is an emission intelligence platform designed to help manufacturers that work in the metal and mining, oil, and gas industries decarbonize their operations.
Renewable Energy
AI plays a vital role in the advancement of renewable energy sources. It optimizes the operation of solar and wind farms, making them more efficient and reliable. AI models can forecast solar and wind patterns, improving energy grid management. The result is a substantial reduction in dependence on fossil fuels and a transition to cleaner energy options. For example, reality capture platform DroneDeploy is using AI to evaluate solar farm layouts, maximize energy generated per site and automatically monitor the health of solar panels and other equipment in the field. Renewable energy company Siemens Gamesa is applying AI models to optimize offshore wind farms to output maximum power at minimal cost. Italy-based the Edge Company is tracking endangered birds near offshore wind farms to provide operators with real-time suggestions that can help prevent collisions and protect the at-risk species.
Wildlife Conservation
AI, particularly computer vision, helps in monitoring and protecting endangered species. Cameras and drones equipped with AI can identify and track animals, monitor their habitats, and detect poaching activities. This technology empowers conservationists to safeguard wildlife and preserve biodiversity more effectively. U.K.-based ‘Conservation AI‘ track the rarest, most reclusive of species in real time, enabling conservationists to protect them from threats, such as poachers and fires, before it’s too late to intervene.
Precision Agriculture
AI-driven precision agriculture optimizes farming practices, reducing resource use and environmental impact. Sensors, drones, and AI models analyze data on soil quality, weather, and crop health to provide real-time insights. Farmers can use this information to optimize irrigation, reduce chemical use, and increase crop yields while minimizing environmental harm. NatureFresh Farms is developing technology where a robotic lens zooms in on the yellow flower of a tomato seedling. Images of the plant flow into an artificial intelligence algorithm that predicts precisely how long it will take for the blossom to become a ripe tomato ready for picking, packing, and the produce section of a grocery store.
Taranis, an Israeli precision agriculture intelligence platform, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and remote imaging technologies to automatically detect crop threats. Insights enable farmers to increase crop quality and yield, maximize efficiency of fertilizers and crop protection inputs, strengthen global food security & increase nutritional quality and preserve soil health and minimize adverse environmental impact
Waste Management
AI enhances waste management by optimizing collection routes and schedules, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing pollution. It can also identify recyclable materials in the waste stream, improving recycling rates and reducing the burden on landfills. London based Greyparrot’s computer vision systems utilize artificial intelligence to collect data during the monitoring and sorting of large waste flows at resource recovery facilities. This data is provided to waste managers, producers, and regulators and aims to help them develop sorting, recycling rates, and accountability throughout the waste value chain.
AI is a powerful tool in driving sustainability across various sectors. It can significantly impact our efforts to combat climate change, conserve natural resources, and protect biodiversity. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, we can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
To be continued..For Part 2 Click here
