Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest growing technological breakthroughs in the world with the potential of assisting society to deal with perennial problems such as climate change. Soaring temperatures, extreme weather events and exponential rise in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions continue to ravage the planet at an alarming rate without a clear solution in sight. Communities and countries alike have become victims of climate change. With the livelihoods of humanity already being threatened and people fighting for water in some parts of the world, it has become increasingly clear that climate change is an unequivocal reality. Several solutions have been sought without success and a time has come when questions are being asked at the prospects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) coming to the rescue of humanity. This is still a contentious issue with practical and ethical controversies, but those countries which have developed Artificial Intelligence solutions are better able to fight climate change.
Dealing with climate change is no longer an issue to be approached using traditional conventional mitigation and adaptation methodologies. The rise of AI and machine learning can be an opportunity for fighting climate change. Several countries have already started deploying artificial intelligence in the fight against climate change. The mind-boggling question is to what extent AI can be deployed in all countries of the world. Robots can change the way we produce and consume and can range from operating production processes in a more resource efficient manner (water, energy, chemicals and raw materials). Scaling-up digitalisation is also a key step forward in the quest for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Through digitalisation, it is now possible to monitor industrial processes remotely through Continuous Environmental Monitoring Systems (CEMS) which monitor atmospheric pollution from emission sources in real time. Governments can no longer afford to watch deteriorating environmental quality, when in actual fact, AI can be used to clean-up environmental systems
Application # 1: Predictive Modelling
The erratic rainfall patterns which are existing in the world due to climate change are very difficult to predict and manage for many governments across the world. The rise of AI allows predictive modelling of future climatic conditions. The AI can initiate predictive modelling based on algorithms fed into the systems using data from past events. Huge data sets on environmental parameters can be easily inputted into artificial intelligence systems resulting in predictive analysis. Human mind and intellectual capacity is limited in handling large data sets and masses of technical information. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence will be the key to unlocking future opportunities. Predictive modelling can assist in setting up future scenarios and thought processes. It also ensures that society is better able to deal with situations that may arise in a particular sustainability domain such as climate change.
Cyclones can be easily identified and early warning systems deployed with the aid of satellites, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Gone are the days when manual logging of daily weather statistics would wait for an individual to arrive at work. Predictive modelling and automated weather data recording is on the rise. Error prone systems are on their way out. In the context of Disaster Preparedness and Response, artificial intelligence will be one of the best alternatives to inform policy makers.
Application # 2: The internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been successfully deployed in the energy efficiency sector and also monitoring renewable energy output. Energy efficiency of refrigeration systems and furnaces now deploys the internet of things. Industries with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) find themselves better able to monitor their resource usage and production processes. The Internet of things is also being deployed in consumer households where gadgets and appliances can be monitored, managed, switched on and switched off through online means in places where there is internet connectivity. This innovative breakthrough has enabled significant reduction in energy consumption. Manufacturing processes can now be augmented with the internet of things and processes managed online.
Application # 3: Automation
It is very clear that industrial processes can be automated to a level where processes can be operated with the aid of robotic systems. This has a net result of reducing resource usage as well as energy wastage. Accuracy and minimisation of defects is also a key milestone that can end up reducing the need for rejects in the workplace. Implementation of sustainable development has already been boosted by the automation of production systems. In the context of climate adaptation and mitigation; automated systems can achieve high levels of precision and help in achieving de-carbonisation. On the other hand, in sectors such as the beverages sector, it is evident that artificial intelligence can result in the efficient water utilisation. This has a net result of reducing water footprint. Although industrial automation is dubbed as a global breakthrough, it is resisted in many countries around the world for the mere reason that it can result in loss of jobs. However, in the quest of greenhouse gas emission reduction, automation can deliver.
Application # 4: Drone Technology
Drone technology is fast growing in all regions-both developed and developing. The flexibility of drone technology to reach areas which are affected by climate change is unparalleled. During national disasters such as Cyclone Idai, drone technology was used to monitor the extent of damage and inform search and rescue operations.
Drones can also be used to monitor areas affected by climate change and exposed to drought conditions. The potential of drone technology in the environmental sustainability sector needs to be maximised as it can save costs of deploying human beings, reduce fuel costs and reduce risk of accessing dangerous areas. Crop assessments can easily be carried out using drone technology and facilitate preparation for national emergencies and disasters. Governments, the world over are being strongly encouraged to deploy artificial intelligence in combating climate change. There is no reason for communities to continue to suffer the brunt effects of climate change, floods and droughts; when artificial intelligence solutions such as drone technology can be used to inform decision making.
Application # 5: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mechanised agriculture and irrigation of greenhouses
Failing to afford technology should not be an excuse for denigrating technology. If your country, institution or you as an individual cannot afford the best technology, the least you can do is to admire, aspire and learn from others. Significant progress has been made in advanced economies in using robotic arms in irrigating crops in greenhouses. Using such systems can be able to achieve higher water efficiency application rates in a water constrained world. This technology has been proven to increase the efficiency of water usage as well as promoting sustainable production and consumption. Agricultural activities that incorporate artificial intelligence are better able to withstand the effects of climate change and use the meagre resources more efficiently.
Application # 6: Tele-monitoring and Continuous Environmental Monitoring Systems (CEMS)
Many environmental protection authorities across the world are moving towards tele-monitoring systems, where environmental quality is monitored remotely and in real time. Air emissions from processes can be tracked at the regulatory agency using sensors and continuous monitoring systems. Traditional environmental protection agencies focus on deploying environmental inspectors on a regular basis, incurring transport costs and merely relying on consultant reports. This system is prone to errors and also a consultant can easily produce a fake report on behalf of a client in order to get a favourable license category.
With artificial intelligence, regulatory agencies are now able to monitor remotely compliance parameters. Sensors and continuous gas analysers will play a leading role in monitoring emissions at power stations, industrial facilities, mining sites and construction companies. Real time and accurate data can only be provided by artificial intelligence. In this context the capricious element of the future is removed as there is more certainty. Dealing with climate change will need real time data in order for rapid decisions to be made in the field.
Challenges of deploying artificial intelligence
The deployment of artificial intelligence in many sectors of the economy has been met with mixed feelings across the globe. The major is issue is an ethical one. There are fears that robots will take over the world. The trade unions who have worker interests at heart predict that the rise of machines will result in workers being unemployed and rendered useless in the workplace. No-one envisages a world where their skills are deemed redundant and excess baggage. Financial constraints are also another main reason why artificial intelligence has not yet garnered universal deployment globally. In order to navigate this unprecedented challenge, countries must invest in research and development whilst at the same time setting aside budgets for innovation and technological research. The compatibility with local context is another issue of concern. Some of these concerns are perceived, whereas some of them are real. It is becoming increasingly clear that some fears around artificial intelligence are mere myths that need to be busted, otherwise society risks to miss out on the generational opportunities of a lifetime. Research Centres must step up their innovative capabilities and develop projects that harness the power of artificial intelligence.
NB: The attainment of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will require innovation and technology transfer through many means including but not limited to artificial intelligence.
TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
There are many myths which have to be busted in order to increase the
penetration of Artificial Intelligence in all economies of the world:
Myth # 1: Robots will take over the world and destroy it
Myth # 2: Artificial Intelligence will take away people’s jobs and everyone
will be unemployed
Myth # 3: Artificial Intelligence is for the first world countries
Myth # 4: Artificial Intelligence is for the next generation
Myth # 5: Robots are for movie scenes and they cannot assist us in
climate mitigation
Myth # 6: Technology is evil – real life should have hard work and
everything should be manual
Myth # 7: Climate change is too complicated to be predicted using
artificial intelligence
Myth # 9: Artificial intelligence is a security threat that can destabilise
countries
Myth # 10: Digitalisation is very expensive, costly and can only be
afforded by rich countries
