Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to aid companies in measuring and improving their sustainability efforts, but the significant environmental impacts of the technology itself cannot be ignored. Sustainability experts at the AI Summit London highlighted the dual nature of AI, explaining how it can help companies enhance their environmental initiatives while simultaneously contributing to environmental degradation.
Experts discussed how AI can be used for data analysis to support decarbonisation, identify harmful emissions in supply chains, and predict energy supply and demand. AI can also assist in managing Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a company’s activities. Despite the challenges in tracking and managing these emissions, AI tools can streamline the process by connecting various data sources.
Examples were given of AI being used in construction projects to repurpose materials, optimizing energy distribution, and analyzing satellite imagery to detect emissions. While such tasks could be done manually, AI accelerates the process significantly. However, speakers noted that the energy consumption of AI systems is a cause for concern.
The energy-intensive nature of AI, particularly in training and model inference processes, poses a significant environmental impact. The energy required to power AI systems is substantial and could potentially consume half of the world’s energy supply by 2040 if unchecked. Issues such as water consumption for cooling data centers further exacerbate the environmental footprint of AI technology.
To mitigate these impacts, speakers suggested implementing measures to increase the efficiency of AI operations, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and exploring alternative cooling methods like sea water. Regulatory interventions may also be necessary to incentivize sustainable practices within the tech industry. Companies are advised to collaborate with IT teams and suppliers to assess energy use and explore cleaner operating practices.
In conclusion, while AI holds promise for improving sustainability efforts, the environmental drawbacks of the technology must be addressed to ensure a balanced approach to leveraging AI for sustainable outcomes.