Hero or villain? Experts weigh in on the impact of AI on climate change

AI’s dual role in climate solutions: Artificial intelligence is emerging as both a potential hero and villain in the fight against climate change, with experts debating its environmental impact and energy consumption.

• A panel of AI and climate experts gathered at Newsweek’s Horizons Event Series to discuss the complex relationship between AI’s potential for climate breakthroughs and its significant energy requirements.
• The event, titled “AI: Climate Hero or Climate Villain,” brought together industry leaders from Microsoft, Bezos Earth Fund, Salesforce, Duke Energy, and MIT to explore the nuances of AI’s role in addressing environmental challenges.

AI as a transformative tool: Experts view artificial intelligence as a powerful mechanism that can enable organizations to tackle major climate issues, but its effectiveness depends on how it is utilized.

• Amen Ra Mashariki, Director of AI and Data Strategies at Bezos Earth Fund, compared organizations using AI to heroes on a journey, with AI serving as the mechanism to help them solve climate problems.
• Suzanne DiBianca, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Salesforce, expressed optimism about AI’s potential, citing innovative solutions being developed by entrepreneurs during Climate Week.

Environmental concerns beyond energy consumption: The environmental impact of AI extends beyond its massive energy needs, raising questions about water use, land competition, and environmental justice.

• MIT assistant professor Priya Donti highlighted the need to consider the broader implications of AI, including its effects on water resources and land use.
• Donti emphasized the importance of critically evaluating the usefulness and effectiveness of AI applications in addressing climate issues, noting that the definition of “usefulness” can vary depending on perspective.

Industry perspectives on AI’s environmental impact: Major technology companies are working to balance their AI ambitions with environmental responsibility, drawing parallels to previous technological shifts.

• Bobby Hollis, Microsoft’s Vice President of Energy, compared the current AI conversation to earlier discussions about cloud computing, suggesting that efficiency drives in AI development could lead to reduced energy consumption.
• Heather Quinley of Duke Energy described a pragmatic approach to AI, acknowledging both its operational benefits and the significant load growth it brings to energy systems.

Optimism and caution in AI adoption: While some experts express strong optimism about AI’s potential as a climate solution, others advocate for a more measured approach that considers both benefits and drawbacks.

• Salesforce’s DiBianca unequivocally labeled AI as a climate “hero,” citing the innovative solutions being developed by entrepreneurs in the field.
• Duke Energy’s Quinley took a more balanced view, describing AI as “a little bit of both” hero and villain, highlighting the need for a pragmatic approach that considers both its operational benefits and energy demands.

Aligning AI with climate action: Experts stress the importance of critically examining AI applications to ensure they effectively contribute to climate solutions and societal benefits.

• The panel discussion underscored the need to align AI development and deployment with specific climate action goals, ensuring that the technology’s use genuinely contributes to solving environmental challenges.
• As AI continues to evolve, the conversation around its role in climate change mitigation is likely to remain complex, requiring ongoing assessment of its benefits and impacts.

Looking ahead: Balancing innovation and responsibility: The future of AI in climate solutions will depend on the ability of organizations to harness its potential while mitigating its environmental footprint.

• As AI technology advances, companies and researchers must continue to innovate in ways that maximize its benefits for climate action while minimizing its energy consumption and environmental impact.
• The ongoing dialogue between industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers will be crucial in shaping the responsible development and deployment of AI for climate solutions.