# How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Save The Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/how-artificial-intelligence-can-help-save-the-environment/
- Published: 2022-01-07T14:41:54-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

When you ask the person on the street what they would do to save the planet, the
word “technology” rarely gets mentioned. Many people only see the gadgets we use
as stumbling blocks on the road to a cleaner future. Nothing could be farther from
the truth. Some of those technologies are helping to turn the tide against environmental
destruction. Here are five ways that artificial intelligence in particular is helping
in the fight for a better tomorrow. 

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/unnamed-4-1.
png?resize=420%2C193&quality=50&ssl=1)

## **1. Climate Prediction**

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are already hard at work in analytics
across multiple fields. Meteorologists use digital forecasting tools to make short
and long-term climatic predictions, and as [global warming grows](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/residential-solar-energy-a-growing-trend/)
as a threat, this capability is more critical than ever before. The ability of AI
algorithms to make accurate predictions scales with complexity, so as time goes 
on, they become more effective. Deep-learning networks and distributed computing
[systems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/innovative-solar-systems-for-limited-partnership-options/)
allow functions that used to be limited to supercomputers to be available on a home
computer. Working with these big-data powerhouses will enable scientists and engineers
to effect climate change solutions and increase the resiliency of communities. As
computer technologies like memory storage and wafer-scale integration techniques
advance, so will the power of AI. 

## **2. Architectural Design**

Another boon to growing communities brought by artificial intelligence is the use
of AI to augment and streamline design. Already CAD/CAM [systems are benefiting](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/solar-lease-system-benefits-and-drawbacks/)
from the integration of automated tools. The payoff is efficiency, and this is where
the applications to sustainability come into focus. Buildings can be designed using
vast amounts of [environmental data in order to minimize their impact](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/05/environmental-impact-of-oilfield-wastewater-disposal-in-the-texas-pecos-river-basin/)
on that environment. A good example of this concept in action is generative design
software. [Generative design](https://www.newequipment.com/research-and-development/article/22059780/what-generative-design-is-and-why-its-the-future-of-manufacturing)
is an iterative process, meaning it can generate multiple possible solutions to 
a given problem and refine goals as the design process evolves. This translates 
to a wider array of possibilities for architecture to seamlessly integrate human
and [natural elements to the benefit](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/benefits-of-growing-your-own-food/)
of both. 

## **3. Biodiversity Protection**

When used in concert with satellite imagery, AI can help to detect and [monitor changes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160791X21002165)
throughout the biosphere. Qualities like vegetation coverage and land usage can 
be measured and oncoming threats like desertification can be predicted and minimized.
These methods are especially useful in safeguarding the oceans. [Ocean health is a product](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/6-unexpected-products-made-from-recycled-materials/)
of multiple factors such as acidity, temperature and mineral content. AI can be 
of use in collating and digesting this massive amount of data. [Illegal fishing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/united-airlines-achieves-top-honor-as-eco-aviation-airline-of-the-year-gold-winner/)
and poaching can even be monitored more effectively by using behavioral prediction
software. In other words, AI has the complexity needed to help make sense of a complicated
world. 

## **4. Energy Efficiency**

This same behavioral prediction capability has another use: predicting [supply and demand in the energy grid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/dod-electric-vehicles-will-supply-power-to-local-grids/).
This in turn can cut waste and speed disaster recovery, as well as maximize the 
effectiveness of economic incentives for renewables. There is one downside to all
of this: AI is itself [energy-intensive](https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/06/06/239031/training-a-single-ai-model-can-emit-as-much-carbon-as-five-cars-in-their-lifetimes).
According to MIT research, training a single AI model can emit up to 626,000 [tons of carbon dioxide](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/recovery-act-supported-project-estimated-to-create-over-350-jobs-and-avoid-over-430000-tons-of-carbon-dioxide-annually/).
That’s a stark reminder that technology is only as effective as the wisdom of the
human mind employing it. It also underscores the necessity of building these devices
using sustainable techniques and thinking about these [issues in a holistic way](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/04/vanity-fair-green-issue-gives-fifty-ways-to-save-the-planet/).

## **5. Networking People**

As much as the average person might resent the use of algorithms on [social media sites like Facebook](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/environmental-media-harnessing-social-power/),
they certainly facilitate the networking of people with similar interests. The most
powerful tool we have in fighting climate change and other environmental issues 
is [ecological literacy](https://oelp.oregonstate.edu/oelp-plan/what-environmental-literacy).
AI programs can get relevant content to interested members of the public quickly.
They’ve recently been working overtime to weed out bad research and fake news spreading
online. When the survival of the planet is at stake, high-quality data and objective
truth are invaluable. AI can help get that information to the people. 

Life isn’t a zero-sum game. It may sound counterintuitive, but the tools we use 
to make our lives easier can also help to make the world cleaner. Using those tools
with _wisdom_ is the key to a brighter future. 

_**Author:** Finnegan Pierson_