Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly reduce global carbon emissions while maintaining modern living standards, according to a new study. Researchers from the London School of Economics and Systemiq project that AI applications across crucial sectors could slash greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 to 5.4 billion tonnes each year by 2035.
The study, aptly named ‘Green and intelligent: the role of AI in the climate transition,’ spotlights AI’s transformative power in transitioning to a sustainable economy. The analysis concentrated on power generation, meat and dairy production, and passenger vehicles – industries collectively accountable for nearly half of the world’s total emissions. AI-driven improvements in these sectors could outweigh the environmental impact of AI data centers themselves.
The report identifies five key pathways through which AI can contribute to a greener future:
1. Optimizing intricate systems, such as energy grids and transportation networks, for greater efficiency.
2. Expediting discovery and minimizing waste in manufacturing and materials science processes.
3. Facilitating informed consumer decisions through personalized recommendations and enhanced information access.
4. Improving climate change predictions and evaluating the effectiveness of existing climate policies.
5. Strengthening disaster preparedness and response capabilities via AI-powered early warning systems.
Specifically, AI can optimize the utilization of renewable energy sources, advance the development of plant-based protein alternatives, and diminish vehicle emissions through shared mobility initiatives and advancements in battery technology.
The researchers stressed the importance of governmental oversight to guarantee the effective and equitable deployment of AI. This includes incentivizing research into eco-friendly AI solutions, regulating the environmental consequences of AI development, and investing in essential infrastructure. By steering innovation and fostering international cooperation, governments can unlock AI’s full capacity in the fight against the climate crisis.