A Closer Look at How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Sustainability

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed how the world works – at least how businesses and societies work – and has provided solutions previously deemed to be science fiction. But as we embrace AI’s possibilities, it’s worth asking: How does this cutting-edge technology affect the environment?

It is well-documented that AI will play a role in tackling environmental challenges. It helps to optimise energy use, cut waste and can even monitor wildlife populations. But there’s another side to this story: AI systems often come with a high environmental cost.

The Bright Side of AI

AI has become synonymous with doing good in sustainability. Energy efficiency is a great example of this. AI algorithms can predict electricity demand, which makes a renewable energy grid more predictable and reduces unnecessary power use.

AI-powered systems help farmers use less water and fewer pesticides and fertilisers by providing precise recommendations. The result? It helps to keep the soil healthy with less runoff in waterways and lower overall resource use.

Artificial Intelligence is also good at tracking environmental changes. It monitors deforestation in real-time and detects where the effects of climate change have the biggest impact as data that informs more targeted, smarter conservation.

The Hidden Costs of AI

AI can be energy-hungry behind the scenes. Training and running AI models is extremely energy intensive and often powered by non-renewable energy sources. In fact, training a single large-scale AI model can emit as much carbon dioxide as several transcontinental flights, according to some studies.

It doesn’t help that the infrastructure that supports AI—massive data centers full of servers running 24/7—doesn’t help. These are necessary facilities for AI to work, but they are also contributing to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Then there’s the electronic waste problem. Older components begin to become obsolete as AI hardware evolves and discarded servers, processors and sensors pile up. If e-waste is not properly recycled, it can leak harmful chemicals into soil, water and air.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If we’re going to address AI’s environmental footprint, this must start with awareness. For companies developing AI solutions, energy efficiency is key; they have to use smarter algorithms and smarter hardware that consumes less power. Governments and businesses can push for green practices, as well, by having data centers move to renewable energy sources.

There is also a serious need for upgrading e-waste management. AI components can be reduced by creating such recycling programs and sustainable designs for hardware.

At JMF Associates, we believe that innovation and responsibility can go together. If you’re interested in learning how forward-thinking practices can help your organisation succeed, contact us today on +44 (0)20 8663 6699.