Artificial Intelligence – A Powerful Ally in Combating Climate Change
Planet Earth is facing a huge challenge: climate change. Countries around the world are preparing to combat and mitigate its effects. In these preparations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful ally in this fight.
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) essentially means building computer systems that can solve problems and think in ways similar to humans. Broadly, AI can be described as the ability of machines to achieve complex goals.
AI is a vast field that attempts to replicate human-style decision-making through machine learning. The idea is that computer algorithms can learn from data, recognize patterns, and make decisions with little or no human interference. In traditional computer programs, an instruction manual is given to computers to perform a specific task. However, with machine learning, the algorithm effectively creates the instruction manual itself.
For example, on social media, based on your previous searches and interests in specific videos or music, AI will suggest similar advertisements or information tailored to your preferences.
How AI is a Powerful Ally to Combat Climate Change
AI is important because it can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that humans might miss. Based on these patterns, extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and floods can be predicted, helping in prevention and preparation to save lives from disasters.
Similarly, efficient and renewable energy sources are now the center of attention worldwide, as countries commit to a smooth transition from fossil fuels to green energy resources. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are highly dependent on weather conditions. AI can accurately predict these conditions, ensuring maximum efficiency from renewable energy.
In the field of agriculture, food security is one of the biggest challenges the world is confronting due to climate change. AI plays a vital role here too. It helps farmers grow more food using fewer resources, while also optimizing the use of water and fertilizers. Through data analytics, AI can monitor soil health, weather conditions, and soil requirements, reducing unnecessary input use.
For instance, in recent years, Pakistan has observed a significant reduction in mango production due to climate change. Extreme weather patterns like heatwaves and floods disrupt production. Rising temperatures disturb the mango trees’ flowering cycle, resulting in low yields. Using AI tools to continuously monitor soil health and weather patterns can help achieve better production targets.
Another advantage of AI is its contribution to forest conservation. Reforestation and the protection of existing forests have become a global urgency, as forests are vital carbon sinks. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, essential for life.
AI is already being used to protect forests. For example, AI-powered acoustic monitoring records forest sounds, and models analyze them in real time. A change in audio frequency—such as the sound of chainsaws cutting trees, gunshots, or trucks transporting timber—alerts local authorities to take immediate action. This provides a cost-effective solution to detect and prevent illegal logging.
The scope of AI is not limited to agriculture and forest protection; it also plays a vital role in promoting the circular economy. The circular economy is about shifting from a throwaway culture to a regenerative system where waste becomes a resource. It focuses on the 3Rs: Reduce, Refine, and Reuse for sustainable and eco-friendly development.
For example, Zen Robotics and Tomra use robotic sensors to segregate materials like plastics, metals, and glass with high precision. Similarly, Winnow Solutions in Italy has developed an AI-based smart system for commercial kitchens. It uses real-time dashboards and sensors to record and analyze food wastage, helping reduce waste by up to 70%.
Every little effort counts. Now is the time to utilize AI as a weapon to combat the adversities of climate change. Innovation and the responsible use of technology are not just crucial but also a significant step toward protecting and preserving nature.
