Growing up in Rhode Island (the Ocean State), I lived very close to the water. Over the years, I have seen the effects of sea level rise and rapid erosion. Entire houses and beaches have slowly been consumed by the tide. I have witnessed first hand how climate change is rapidly changing the ocean ecosystem. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the inexorability of climate change.

By keeping environmental, social and economic sustainability as the new cornerstones for the development of artificial intelligence, AI can provide the fundamental shift in our approach to sustainability needed to save the planet.

Unprecedented heat waves, long droughts, intense floods, and biodiversity losses--the signs are all around us: humanity has locked itself in a long, drawn-out war against climate change. The vital signs of the planet are fluctuating, and only timely climate action involving governments, corporations and individuals can keep our ecosystems from incurring irreversible damage. Fortunately, the tools powered by artificial intelligence can play an instrumental role in preserving our planet and its biodiversity for posterity. Artificial intelligence technology has been a subject of interest in the international discourse regarding sustainable development for years. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) is a multi-stakeholder forum for world governments and experts leading the effort to devise strategies to bring AI solutions to aid climate action.

Inflation is a global problem, and it's one that is being exacerbated by climate change. This is because the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events drive up prices for food, energy, and other necessities. But there is hope: AI can help us fight climate change by reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the Green transition is a key pillar in fighting inflation, and AI is an important tool in this effort. In fact, according to a 2022 BCG Climate AI Survey report (shown below), 87% of private and public sector CEOs with decision-making power in AI and climate believe AI is an essential tool in the fight against climate change.

ML can address traffic congestion that aggravates air quality and squanders fuel via traffic classification and prediction. According to Xtelligent, who is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1970's technology still controls 98 percent of signalized intersections in the country. Sensor technologies can connect city intersections, manage traffic signal networks in real-time and inject more sustainability into traffic management issues. Airlines are also looking to optimize air traffic flow to minimize miles and fuel usage using AI-powered flight prediction. AI and ML tools can help airlines plan, track and act on recommendations for flight rerouting to sidestep problems like poor weather or congested airspace.