Finance
Artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technologies are becoming popular as crucial tools to tackle the climate crisis. Technological innovations in renewable energy, and use of predictive AI for climate modelling, are all gaining traction as countries work towards their net-zero goals.
However, tech companies are also some of the biggest carbon emitters. For example, producing semiconductors or silicone chips found in most gadgets and products today requires vast amounts of energy, which accounts for a majority of the carbon output from electrical devices. While many tech companies have announced net-zero policies, these are falling short by a long measure. In addition to this, advancements in AI and tech are further exacerbating global inequalities, as most of the social and economic benefits of AI are accruing to only a privileged few.
On our podcast ‘On the Contrary by IDR,’ we engaged in discussions with Jim Fruchterman from Tech Matters and Trisha Ray from Observer Research Foundation. We explored the role of technological advancements in climate solutions, the influence of tech giants in this area, and the necessary changes to promote efficient and equitable tech usage for the benefit of all, particularly the most vulnerable during the crisis.
Below is an edited transcript that provides an overview of the guests’ perspectives on the show.
AI can accelerate climate action
Jim: Currently, AI is mainly being used by the academic community to create climate models, to understand [the] climate crisis, to [analyze] how things are, [and] to [provide a] forecast into the future… [Technology provides a] lot of ways to deal with climate. I think people are using technology more broadly and [in] a lot of ways to deal with climate. The biggest area that you see [this happening in] is energy. People are trying to innovate around energy, and solar panels, which are no longer necessarily considered an advanced technology, play a significant role in wind power.
Trisha: There is a lot of good that tech like AI can do. [It can] help us track, predict, and mitigate climate change. We could even use AI to invent new synthetic materials to replace the ones we currently use. [We can build] these new materials that are more resistant to heat or materials that can help us store solar energy better. The National Smart Grid Mission in India utilizes AI to detect patterns in electricity usage by people and predicts changes over time, enabling appropriate actions.
This concept called smart grid is generating a lot of interest.
