World Environment Day

Renu Chaturvedi
Email: renu_chaturvedi@isb.edu
ISB Institute of Data Science, Hyderabad, India

The world has witnessed an exponential increase in demand for e-products. This demand has led to intensive use of raw materials and the accumulation of e-waste across the globe. It is common knowledge that digital devices, which are imperative to AI development, damage our environment.

However, on this World Environment Day, we explore if it is only bad news for the environment or AL & ML can be made to have a positive impact on the environment.

Cited below are a few of many AI technologies developed; to address environmental concerns.

AI has helped gather information from impossible-to-reach ocean beds and identify endangered species of flora & fauna. Besides protecting species and habitats, AI can help catchment controls and sustainable fishing (https://earth.org/data_visualization/ai-can-it-help-achieve-environmental-sustainable). Uncrewed Service Vehicles (USVs) equipped with cameras, sensors, and communication devices; travel for long duration in oceans. These USVs run on solar energy and emit no greenhouse gases. They create a digital ocean map that can help with clean-up efforts by tracing, tracking & curbing illegal fishing. These also help in monitoring oil spills and in detecting international dumping. (Open Ocean Robotics — Understanding our Oceans)

Technology companies use machine learning, computer vision, and robotics for better, more impactful, and sustainable agricultural practices. Blue River Technology is one such company. Its See & Spray technology leverages deep learning that enables machines to identify weeds amongst crops and make fast, agile, and on-spot decisions for crop management. Customized nozzle design allows plant-by-plant spray, and software ensures better crop protection. The technology enables optimized usage of chemicals, thus making a positive impact on the environment. (Our Mission — Welcome | Blue River Technology)

AI can also be leveraged to monitor, inform, influence, measure, detect, forecast, advise, reduce and manage air pollution in our cities. AI can also help in modeling the chemical reactions between pollutants. Algorithms like Atmospheric Transport Modelling System (ATMoS) help understand PM2.5 concentrations. Additionally, there are advanced algorithms that help understand and predict smog, haze, visibility, and observe meteorological interventions and manage air quality better. (https://yourstory.com/2020/08/artificial-intelligence-improve-air-quality/amp)

AI is transforming the world and how. No tech company wants to miss this boat. AI technologies to save environmental concerns are still at a nascent stage. Still, tech companies can implement AI in their own data centers to optimize energy efficiency, become carbon neutral, and invest in carbon offset programs.