How Artificial Intelligence Can Save Environment.
Currently, the topics gaining popularity include Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Global Warming and Climate Change . AI is hope for a better future and Global warming presents a scary picture if not tackled immediately.
Artificial intelligence (AI) , has taken over our entire world. It combines computer science and robust data bases and helps with problem-solving. It also encompasses sub-fields of machine learning and deep learning, which are frequently mentioned in conjunction with artificial intelligence.
David Jensen, coordinator of the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP’s) Digital Transformation sub-programme says “AI refers to systems or machines that perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, and can iteratively improve themselves over time, based on the information they collect”.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas), which produces heat-trapping gases. Deforestation, Habitat loss, Plastic Pollution are the main concerns.
AI is being propelled out of research labs and into our everyday lives, from navigating cities, ride shares, our energy networks, to the online world. Climate changers and Tech companies with the help of AI are transforming traditional systems to combat climate change ,water security, conserve fossil fuels, help to build sustainable cities, protect the forest and animal habitats and human wellbeing.
Lets look at the ways in which AI is able to help save the environment –
- Providing Real Time Analysis – United Nations Environment programme (UNEP) World Environment Situation Room (WESR), launched in 2022, is one digital platform that is leveraging AI’s capabilities to analyze complex, multifaceted datasets. It curates and visualizes the best available earth observation and sensor data to inform near real-time analysis and future predictions on multiple factors, including CO2 atmospheric concentration, changes in glacier mass and sea level rise. Data needs to be real time and accurate to provide real time analysis. Over time AI will be so advance that it will be able to monitor environmental indices.
- Conserve Fossil Fuels – Fossil Fuels are depilating at an alarming rate. AI guided automobiles will help in conserving them. Substantial Green-House gas reductions for transport can be achieved through traffic optimization. Optimizing transportation systems to reduce carbon emissions. For example, AI algorithms can analyze traffic patterns, optimize route planning, and facilitate efficient traffic flow, minimizing congestion and fuel consumption. Additionally, AI can assist in the development and management of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Saving trees – AI can assist in tree conservation efforts in several ways.
- Forest monitoring: AI-powered technologies like remote sensing and satellite imagery can be used to monitor forests on a large scale. These systems can analyze vast amounts of data and detect changes in vegetation cover, identify deforestation patterns, and help authorities take timely action.
- Smart reforestation: AI algorithms can optimize the process of reforestation by analyzing various factors such as soil quality, climate conditions, and biodiversity. This information can be used to determine the most suitable tree species for a particular area, increasing the chances of successful reforestation.
- Illegal logging detection: AI can be employed to detect and identify illegal logging activities. By analyzing real-time data from various sources such as drones, cameras, and acoustic sensors, AI algorithms can identify suspicious activities in remote forest areas and alert authorities for intervention.
- Precision agriculture: AI-enabled systems can improve agricultural practices, reducing the need for deforestation. By optimizing irrigation, fertilizer usage, and crop management, farmers can maximize yields on existing agricultural land, minimizing the expansion of agricultural activities into forested areas.
- Environmental research: AI can analyze vast amounts of environmental data, including climate models, ecosystem dynamics, and biodiversity records, to better understand the impact of deforestation and develop strategies for sustainable land management. With the help of AI technologies, we can enhance our ability to protect and conserve trees, contributing to the preservation of ecosystems and mitigating the effects of deforestation.
- Smart Farming – Unpredictable temperatures ,unpredicted extreme weather conditions makes Farming prone climate change. Farming itself contributes to the problem – agriculture, forestry and land use account for around 18% of global CO2 emissions. And then there’s the fact that agriculture irrigation is responsible for 70% of water use worldwide. Fertilizer and pesticides used on fields can also end up in groundwater and nearby rivers. Germany-based startup Agvolution has developed an AI system based on data from solar-powered sensors that monitor the microclimate around plants. The device measures field temperature, humidity, radiation and soil moisture, and algorithms use these insights to provide precise recommendations on crop health and the exact amount of water and fertilizer to use. This increases yield and reduces resource waste. According to the company, this will improve eco-efficiency and economic efficiency by up to 40%. AI can help optimize agricultural practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By analyzing data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health, AI algorithms can provide farmers with insights to optimize irrigation, fertilizer usage, and crop rotation, minimizing emissions associated with agriculture.
- Reduce Carbon Emission – AI can play a significant role in addressing carbon emissions and combating climate change. AI algorithms can optimize energy usage in various sectors, such as transportation, manufacturing, and buildings. By analyzing large amounts of data and identifying patterns, AI can help identify energy inefficiencies, recommend energy-saving measures, and optimize processes to reduce carbon emissions. Develop smart grid systems that efficiently manage electricity generation, distribution, and consumption. By analyzing real-time data on energy demand and supply, AI algorithms can optimize the distribution of energy resources, balance the grid, and integrate renewable energy sources effectively, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources.
- Smart disaster response – AI can analyze simulations and real-time data (including social media data) of weather events and disasters in a region to seek out vulnerabilities and enhance disaster preparation, provide early warning, and priorities response through coordination of emergency information capabilities. Deep reinforcement learning may one day be integrated into disaster simulations to determine optimal response strategies, similar to the way AI is currently being used to identify the best move in games like AlphaGo.
- Tracking Sea Plastic Pollution – AI algorithms can be trained to analyze satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and underwater images to automatically detect and classify plastic debris in the ocean.AI can process large volumes of data from various sources, such as oceanographic sensors, remote sensing platforms, and citizen science initiatives. By analyzing this data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and trends related to the distribution, movement, and accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean. This information can help researchers and organizations understand the dynamics of plastic pollution and prioritize cleanup efforts.
One study commissioned by tech giant Microsoft estimated that AI applications in the sectors of agriculture, water, energy and transport could lead to a 4% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — equivalent to the annual emissions of Australia, Canada and Japan combined.
To conclude, we live in exciting times. It is now possible to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems with emerging technologies such as AI. It’s time to put AI to work for the planet.
