Artificial Intelligence –an ally to tackle Global Environmental issues like Climate Change
Kolkata, 23rd August, 2024: The unremitting progression of climate change brought more drought, flooding and heatwaves to communities across the world, compounding threats to people’s lives and livelihoods is considered as a Global Environmental problem primarily as a human-created phenomenon. Keeping this in mind, today Future for Nature Foundation & New Bengal Consulting (NBS) organised an International Conference on the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat global climate change in gracious presence of Prof Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice Chancellor RRGU, Prof Anupam Basu, Pro-Vice Chancellor SNU along with Prof Sarbani Roy, Comp. Sc & Engineering Jadavpur University, Dr Ramit Debnath, University of Cambridge, Dr Biplab Paul, IIT-KGP, Prof Sudarsan Neogi, IIT_Indore, Shri Debashis Sen IAS & Founder CEO NBS, Dr Swati Nandi Chakraborty president of Future for Nature and other dignitaries. The panel discussion of the afternoon session was focused on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it emerges as a pivotal tool in the global effort to mitigate environmental problems like climate change and adapt to these challenges. Two crucial opportunities that AI offers in this domain – it can help improve and expand current understanding of climate change, and also can contribute to combatting the climate crisis effectively. By harnessing the power of AI, we can make significant strides in mitigating the impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable future.
Through artificial intelligence predicting and monitoring climate patterns by using satellites, climate models, weather stations, ocean buoys to collect data, analyse the trend and forecast changes will be more accurate. It will help in aiding in early warnings and policy-making. Apart from this AI is advancing energy efficiency by optimizing building systems and managing renewable sources like wind and solar This helps lower energy use and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Through real-time monitoring and optimization of industrial processes, AI helps industries reduce their carbon footprints. Additionally, AI-driven supply chain optimizations contribute to lower emissions across various sectors. One can also use artificial intelligence in transforming agriculture by enabling more sustainable practices. Predictive analytics help farmers optimize irrigation, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and improve crop yields. These advancements lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly farming methods. Dr Swati Nandi Chakraborty, noted environmental scientist and president of Future for Nature Foundation stated “climate change is constantly evolving all across the world and using AI as a factor in elements helps us make more up-to-date predictions about changes in the environment. This will allow us to arrange mitigation efforts earlier and can save more lives and livelihoods” while addressing the audience.
Combining AI with satellite imagery provides powerful tools for tracking deforestation as well. This capability is crucial for conserving forests and reducing carbon emissions from deforestation, thereby protecting vital ecosystems. AI also plays an important role on Climate research by processing large datasets and running complex simulations. This enhances the understanding of climate change and aids in the development of effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. “AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and provide insights is transforming our approach to addressing climate challenges” added Shri Debashis Sen IAS & Founder CEO NBS.
Thus, at the end of the conference it can be said that the urgent need to address climate change, AI stands out as a transformative force. By harnessing its potential, we can make significant steps in reducing emissions, optimizing resource use, and protecting our planet for future generations. So, use of AI can provide a welcome support to global efforts to better understand and handle the many challenges associated with a changing climate.
