With the hype swirling around AI’s generative language possibilities, some of the less discussed benefits could drive innovation for a sustainable future. But there’s a snag that needs a solution.

Shane Snider , Senior Writer, InformationWeek

April 14, 2023

6 Slides

When more than 1,000 tech leaders signed an open letter calling for a pause on fast-moving advancements in AI early this month, they laid bare the ethical dilemma posed by language learning models and possible dire workforce impacts. But often lost in the talk of dystopian outcomes is the impact the new technology could have on the near-universal drive for a more sustainable future.

According to a 2019 report by PwC and Microsoft, AI’s role could be a major factor in future sustainability efforts. “If harnessed in the right way, emerging technologies, with AI at the vanguard, could be transformational in efforts to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges,” the report says. “Examples include AI-infused clean distributed energy grids, to smart urban mobility, precision agriculture, sustainable supply chains, environmental monitoring and enforcement, and enhanced weather and disaster prediction and response.”

In the following slides, InformationWeek looks at ways AI could prove to be crucial for effective sustainability solutions. (The last slide focuses on one big caveat to all the promise AI holds for a sustainable future).

About the Author(s)

Shane Snider

Senior Writer, InformationWeek, InformationWeek

Shane Snider is a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of industry experience. He started his career as a general assignment reporter and has covered government, business, education, technology and much more. He was a reporter for the Triangle Business Journal, Raleigh News and Observer and most recently a tech reporter for CRN. He was also a top wedding photographer for many years, traveling across the country and around the world. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and two children.

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