Exploring AI and the Environment
While people often hear about artificial intelligence (AI) like Siri being used for everyday tasks such as sending messages and setting alarms, have they ever thought about how it could be utilized in other ways? Have they ever wondered how AI has the potential to fight against the world’s climate crisis and promote sustainable practices?
As people’s understanding of technology deepens, artificial intelligence innovations are constantly emerging — many of which are being created to address climate change.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a branch of computer science that enables machines to simulate human intelligence using data, algorithms, and computing power. AI can conduct tasks, such as data analysis, pattern recognition, resolution of complex problems, and language interpretation. Various subsets — machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing (NLP) — all encompass AI.
- Machine learning: This field of AI uses statistical models and algorithms to detect patterns in massive datasets and formulate predictions. Researchers and computer science specialists frequently employ machine learning.
- Robotics: While most AI systems exist as lines of code, robotic systems are built in physical form. A robot refers to an automated intelligent machine that can perceive its environment and carry out specific actions with little to no human intervention. Autonomous drones are a well-known example of robotic devices.
- Natural language processing (NLP): NLP enables machines to understand, decode, and generate human language as a means to interact with humans. Amazon’s Alexa and ChatGPT are notable examples of NLP.
Assessing Air Pollution Using Machine Learning Models:
Air pollution is the release of pollutants into the atmosphere that endanger the health of all living organisms. Smog, pollutants emitted by vehicles, is raising greenhouse gas concentrations and accelerating global warming. In particular, air pollution is perhaps the most serious environmental threat to New York City due to its high population density and crowded streets. Using data collected from the five boroughs of New York City — which together have a population of 8.2 million and 55 million vehicle miles driven daily — engineers from Cornell University created four machine learning models for concentrations of traffic-related particulate pollution. These AI machine learning algorithms were developed to simplify and improve approaches for calculating fine particulate matter, such as dust, soot, and exhaust from vehicles that enter people’s lungs. By leveraging these models, Cornell researchers will obtain high-resolution estimations of New York City’s street pollution and therefore more accurately quantify the pollution sources. This information will assist them in developing an effective strategy to mitigate air pollution in the city.
AirSeed’s Innovative Seed Planting Procedure:
As climate change causes drier conditions and higher temperatures, record-breaking wildfires have occurred in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Wildfires are leading to deforestation, but thankfully, an environmental restoration company known as AirSeed has stepped in to lend a helping hand to Mother Nature. Using AI and drone technology, AirSeed’s drones fly autonomously above deforested areas and drop seed pods with enough force to bury them in the soil. The company’s drones can plant approximately 40,000 seed pots per day, which is 25 times faster than typical manual tree-planting procedures. AirSeed’s planting technique is not only fast and efficient but also plays a pivotal role in the restoration of trees and biodiversity.
Amazon’s AI Solution to Assessing Carbon Footprints:
According to Amazon, determining the carbon footprint of a single Amazon product can take countless hours to compute. A carbon footprint is defined as the total greenhouse gasses that are generated by an individual, company, or product. It is essential to be aware of one’s carbon footprint to understand how to mitigate climate change and protect the environment. Amazon has developed an AI model Flamingo to solve Amazon’s challenge of computing carbon footprints. Flamingo uses natural language processing to connect written descriptions of products to Environmental Impact Factors (EIF), which is commonly used to assess the carbon footprint of individual products. This NLP model offers a time-saving solution for Amazon scientists to monitor and calculate product carbon footprints and provides valuable insights for Amazon to reach its sustainability objectives.
Proceed with Caution:
As AI’s power to tackle climate change gradually rises, it is essential to proceed with caution and prioritize ethical considerations. It is important to ensure that technological advancements do not spin out of control and pose a threat to humanity. By utilizing AI to solve environmental problems for the greater good, the pros can outweigh the cons. Otherwise, an accidental modern-day Frankenstein might arise.
