Used wisely, the AI environment can interpret and act on complex environmental data. The United Nations Environment Programme is driving efforts towards a greener, more sustainable future.
The AI environment has been given a huge task to perform. Our planet is a complex, chaotic thing. A mesh of intertwining systems that are themselves complicated webs of biofeedback, of messy, breakneck cause and effect. And that was before we came along and started being all Homo sapiens on it.
As a species we’ve been hell-bent on colonising, controlling and conquering nature and now we’re here and that’s what success smells like. Well done us.
We need help and we need a lot of it, fast.
Our ability to manage the environmental repair we need to perform effectively rests on our capability to understand and measure the environment in the first place. Faced with the mounting threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, our capacity to interpret and leverage the wealth of climate data at our disposal is critical. At the forefront of this vital task is the innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the environmental field.
Artificial intelligence is a game-changer in the battle against environmental challenges. AI systems, by their very nature, are designed to emulate tasks typically requiring human intelligence. Their ability to self-improve over time by learning from the data they encounter sets them apart. These qualities make them indispensable tools in the quest to combat environmental threats, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
UNEP’s Digital Transformation sub-programme is exploring ways in which AI can help drive environmental protection initiatives. The breadth of these applications is vast, ranging from creating energy-efficient building designs to monitoring deforestation rates and optimizing the deployment of renewable energy resources. AI can effectively function at both large and granular scales. For instance, it can monitor global emissions via satellite technology or improve household energy efficiency through automated systems that control lighting or heating.
AI’s capabilities for sophisticated data analysis are harnessed by UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room (WESR), launched in 2022. With the aid of AI, WESR facilitates near real-time analysis and future forecasting on a multitude of factors including atmospheric CO2 concentrations, glacier mass changes, and sea level rise. This digital platform is envisioned to transform into an easily accessible, demand-responsive tool that translates data into actionable insights, thus driving transparency and informed decision-making across government offices, educational institutions, local authorities, and corporations.
An AI environment to measure emissions
The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), one of UNEP’s initiatives operating within WESR’s digital framework, is revolutionizing methane emissions monitoring through AI. By employing AI technology, IMEO is forging a pathway for data-driven decisions, linking empirically verified global methane emissions data with action in science, policy, and transparency.
Another remarkable initiative by UNEP, in collaboration with IQAir, is the GEMS Air Pollution Monitoring platform. Utilizing AI, the platform aggregates data from over 25,000 air quality monitoring stations in more than 140 countries. This data aids in understanding the impact of real-time air quality on populations and contributes to health protection measures.
In addition, AI is playing a pivotal role in quantifying the environmental and climate footprints of products. This technology can analyze the footprint of products across their full lifecycle and supply chain, equipping businesses and consumers to make informed decisions. This valuable data is crucial for instigating sustainable behavioural changes on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.com, Shopify, or Alibaba.
Yet, while AI and data are indispensable for advanced environmental monitoring, it is equally important to be mindful of the environmental costs associated with data processing. UNEP reports that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector generates about 3-4 per cent of global emissions and that data centres consume vast amounts of water for cooling. Various measures are being undertaken to mitigate this impact, including the CODES Action Plan for a Sustainable Planet in the Digital Age.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is another pressing environmental concern, with only a small fraction (17.4 per cent) currently being recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. UNEP research suggests that in order to reduce this waste, it is crucial for consumers to limit consumption, recycle electronic goods, and repair those that are fixable.
The AI environment has a role
AI’s role in our fight against environmental challenges continues to evolve. These pioneering initiatives by the United Nations Environment Programme underscore the potential of AI in the realm of environmental protection and sustainability. Ultimately, the intelligent use of AI could trigger systemic changes that propel us towards a more sustainable future. Harnessing the power of AI in the ‘environment’ holds the promise of unprecedented speed and scale in our collective pursuit of a healthier, greener planet.
