Recently, AI has become a catalyst for change as we work together to modernize industries and solve some of the most important environmental challenges12. As climate change and the depletion of resources threaten our future, the need for smart solutions has never been more urgent3. Thankfully, AI can play a role in transforming sustainability efforts in ways we couldn't have imagined just a few years ago4. From helping to reduce energy use to securing the future of natural habitats, AI is proving it's not simply a catalyst for economic growth, rather it is a true beacon of light as the world seeks answers to sustainability issues that could be devastating if they aren't addressed ASAP5. Let's take a look at how AI is being used to lead to a more sustainable future.

One of the biggest causes of global greenhouse gas emissions is fossil fuels. To mitigate dangers of traditional energy creation methods, there has been a push toward alternative energy sources like wind, solar, hydroelectric power, and more.12 While this transition is highly important, there are numerous challenges that come with making transformative technologies affordable and efficient. This is where AI is already showing promise. Via AI, it is now much easier to predict energy needs to optimize things like grid operations, energy distribution, and more. A perfect example is Google's DeepMind. By using AI within their data centers, they have already reduced their energy needs by 40 percent. AI makes it possible for them to make adjustments to energy output by constantly monitoring weather, average temperature, and more.3 The same can be said of wind and solar, AI can work to predict what's coming next with the weather and adjust its mode of operations as needed. This includes looking at things like cloud cover, wind patterns, humidity, rainfall, and other key factors. A great example of AIs role in wind power production is Siemens Gamesa. The innovator uses AI to closely monitor wind patterns so that its turbines can work efficiently. With constant, real-time data, AI does wonders for predicting what's coming next with the weather, so their techs can adjust production methods with amazing precision—saving both energy and maximizing output.3

With the world population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the need to better the food system has never been more important1. AI has quickly been heralded and applied to help farmers figure out how to inspire greater output while reducing the need to use massive amounts of land and energy. Not to mention water shortages, which have scientists and governments concerned. Now, AI is helping to make agriculture more precise with things like drones, sensors, and intensive AI algorithms2. AI can watch over soil conditions, gather data surrounding the health of crops, and even give farmers a better understanding of exactly when they should plant their crops. It can also help with the use and application of fertilizer, water, and other growing elements for increased crop yields3. For example, companies like John Deere are working around the clock to up the ante with its machinery to make it AI- powered. This way it can understand what plants are in its crops, identify weeds, and know exactly what needs to be done at any given time to improve crop quality2. Also, AI can help farmers be ready for climate change and make required shifts in practices to survive things like droughts, floods, and other environmental challenges4. This way they can protect their crops and livestock against all odds.

Biodiversity is a wildly important part of keeping the planet thriving. As we speak, species extinction is occurring at mass scale due to deforestation and habitats being destroyed around the world. Not to mention poaching is a problem that must be addressed. To combat these issues, AI is being used in the form of drones and camera traps that allow for areas to be monitored in real-time12. They can help identify predators and pockets that may be diminishing vulnerable species. This is a huge step for conservation because in the past conservationists had to use trackers that must be manually applied and have been prone to errors. AI can gather data quickly and process it quickly and accurately. This way conservationists can monitor where species roam, how many are in any given area, their food and water sources, predators, and more3. AI is also important in habitat restoration by looking deeply into data that helps them understand where and how conservation crews need to act. By knowing exactly what locations around the world are most in need they can avoid wasting time, money, and resources and make data driven decisions4.

Waste management is a huge issue for every country around the world. Landfills are overflowing and the ocean is increasingly becoming a dumping ground for waste12. AI-powered robotics and sorting systems are increasingly being used to improve recycling processes. This is done by identifying and efficiently separating waste. A great example of this is AMP Robotics, a U.S.-based innovator. They use AI-powered robots to sort through recyclable trash. This happens quickly and with amazing precision so things like plastic, paper, and metals are beautifully separated and contamination is minimal. Unsurprisingly, AI is also amazing at tracking and predicting waste generation patterns, which is already working wonders for cities. It is able to predict consumption so they can better understand how many recycled materials are being disposed of and how to best accommodate and plan for the recycling of them34.

One of the most important applications of AI is in its mitigation of climate change. It is increasingly being used to aid organizations and governments in reducing carbon emissions and working to find ways to adapt to the increasing dangers of climate change. A recent example surrounds the United Nations and tech companies, IBM and Microsoft. Together, they analyze massive data that take into consideration things like temperature and humidity concentrations. Once all of the data is gathered, they can develop models that help us better deal with the increasing number of environmental challenges we're facing1. Additionally, AI is being used for carbon capture and storage as they work to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. They are currently using machine learning algorithms to an from carbon capture facilities, and then the data is used to improve efficiency and even identify the very best locations for storage sites around the world2. AI is also increasingly being used in urban planning to help reduce carbon footprints. A great example is how it is being used to optimize traffic, flow, and busy cities. With the help of cameras that are constantly capturing real time data, they are able to assess traffic, flow and better inform the public on which routes they should take to avoid traffic3. AI powered urban development can also be used to design and implement energy efficient buildings that can assess real time data on temperature, humidity, and other factors that may make energy use more intensive. Once the data is analyzed, AI powered climate control systems can make sure that buildings are pumping out just enough heat or air conditioning throughout the day rather than wasting unnecessary energy4.

The technologies mentioned in this article only scratch the surface of what is being researched and implemented around the world. AI will increasingly drive our sustainability, which comes with its own challenges, but so far the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages12. In the coming months and years we can expect to see AI play a much larger role in everything from climate change, to conservation efforts, to understanding, biodiversity issues, and everything in between34. By embracing its potential, the world can be a much healthier place to live56.