AI is everywhere - from the smart devices that populate our homes to the search engines shaping our access to information. While the promises and advancements of AI dominate contemporary discussions, what often remains in the background are the implications this technology has for sustainability. Beyond the imaginary "Matrix scenario", what are the real risks and opportunities for sustainability that AI brings? In this journey through the world of artificial intelligence, we explore the profound issues surrounding AI and its interaction with a sustainable future.
The Pros of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability
True to its name, Artificial Intelligence enables the optimization of processes and operations through more intelligent resource management. This allows us to, on one hand, prevent waste, and on the other, maximize the results from available sources. How? Let's delve into it specifically:
Sustainable Agriculture: Where AI Revolutionises the Land
In the realm of agriculture, AI emerges as an exceptional partner in our quest for more sustainable farming practices. Using advanced algorithms, AI optimises the allocation of key resources like water and fertilisers. Research conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that through perfect optimization, AI can improve irrigation efficiency, reducing water consumption by up to 30%. This not only conserves a precious resource but also reduces the environmental burden associated with intensive irrigation, which often leads to the depletion of underground water resources.
But AI doesn't stop there. Analysing data from satellites and drones, along with machine learning models, enables farmers to receive real-time weather forecasts and crop status information. This not only enhances crop management but also reduces the need for excessive pesticide and fertiliser use, thus reducing pollution in the surrounding environment.
Saving Water Resources: A Crucial Step for Sustainability
Another area where AI has a significant impact is water resource management. Water is a precious and scarcely renewable resource, and its sustainable management is of paramount importance for the future of our planet.
Machine learning algorithms, trained on historical and real-time data, can optimize the monitoring of water bodies and resource distribution. A European Commission investigation has highlighted how artificial intelligence contributes to reducing water waste in global supply networks. This approach has led to significant savings in terms of water resources and maintenance costs in cities like Los Angeles, where the Department of Water and Power has implemented an AI-based system to detect leaks and improve water distribution.
AI as a Driver of Energy Efficiency
"Artificial intelligence controls energy usage and reduces it during peak hours, identifies and reports issues, and detects equipment failures before they occur. AI has the ability to compress and analyse large datasets that can help monitor and interpret data produced by energy industries to optimise energy consumption." Max Impact
In fact, AI proves to be a valuable ally in the transition to renewable energy:
Stabler Electric Grids: Thanks to self-learning models and real-time meteorological data, AI predicts energy generation from renewable sources, allowing operators to adjust input power and avoid overloads or blackouts. Smart grids and intelligent meters, based on AI, further improve energy supply management, optimizing energy storage.
Anticipation through Analysis: By identifying areas of energy loss and monitoring the health of devices, AI-based predictive analysis collects data from sensors, alerting operators when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime. Moreover, AI anticipates future faults and performance limits, enabling more efficient preventive maintenance.
Smart Energy Storage: By predicting future demand and ensuring a constant supply of green energy, smart energy storage capabilities enable efficient energy savings and distribution in preparation for imminent demand. This contributes to the sustainability and reliability of renewable energy sources, gradually eliminating dependence on fossil fuels.
But, as always, there is a flip side: AI obviously brings significant risks and challenges that require careful management and control.
The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence Sustainability: The Cons
Environmental Impact of Hardware
Let's start with the most immediate and clear issue: artificial intelligence requires powerful specialised hardware, often built with materials that have a significant environmental impact. The production of these components, such as GPUs and TPUs, can involve the extraction of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. The rapid evolution of AI has led to increasing demand for new technologies, generating large amounts of electronic waste. Addressing this problem requires the adoption of recycling strategies and a more sustainable approach to hardware design.
High Energy Consumption of Data Centers
Data centres hosting AI systems are known for their high energy consumption. These facilities require a significant amount of energy to power servers and keep them cool. If this energy comes from non-renewable sources, such as coal, AI can contribute to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the environmental impact of data centres requires the adoption of efficient cooling technologies and a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Cybersecurity and Vulnerability
AI algorithms are vulnerable to cyberattacks, requiring significant investments in cybersecurity. Protecting AI systems is essential to prevent unwanted disruptions and safeguard sensitive data. However, increased security measures can lead to a higher environmental impact, as it requires, as you've probably guessed by now, more hardware and energy resources to maintain protection.
Rapid Evolution and Technological Obsolescence
AI is a continuously evolving technology, which can lead to rapid technological obsolescence. Frequent replacement of hardware and software contributes to electronic waste production and requires resources for the production of new devices. Addressing this challenge requires recycling strategies and extending the useful life of AI devices.
Balancing AI Challenges for Sustainability
As we have seen, artificial intelligence presents itself as a double-edged sword in our journey towards a sustainable future. Therefore, it is essential to address these challenges with an eye for innovation and security.
Building our sustainable future will depend on our ability to balance the positive aspects of AI with careful management of its negative implications. This will require collaboration, investments in research and development, and a constant commitment to guide AI towards a constructive role in safeguarding our planet.
