Artificial intelligence has the potential to be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. According to a new report by Google and Boston Consulting Group, AI could help mitigate 5-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This is equivalent to the total annual emissions of the European Union.

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How AI can help mitigate climate change

AI can help address climate change in three key areas:

- Providing people and organizations with better information to make more sustainable choices. For example, AI can be used to develop more efficient routing algorithms for transportation, which can help reduce emissions.

- Delivering improved predictions to help adapt to climate change. AI can be used to develop more accurate models of climate change, which can help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

- Finding recommendations to optimize climate action for high-impact applications. AI can be used to identify the most effective ways to reduce emissions in different sectors of the economy.

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Examples of how Google is using AI to address climate change

Google is using AI to address climate change in a number of ways, including:

- Fuel-efficient routing in Google Maps: This feature uses AI to suggest routes that have fewer hills, less traffic, and constant speeds with the same or similar ETA. Since launching in October 2021, fuel-efficient routing is estimated to have helped prevent more than 2.4 million metric tons of CO2e emissions.

- Flood forecasting: Google Research has developed an AI-powered flood forecasting system that can provide real-time information about flooding risks. This system is being used to help communities prepare for and respond to floods.

- Contrail forecasting: Google Research has teamed up with American Airlines and Breakthrough Energy to develop an AI-powered contrail forecasting system. This system can help pilots choose routes that avoid creating contrails, which can help reduce the impact of aviation on climate change.

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Managing the environmental impact of AI

While AI has the potential to be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, it is important to use it responsibly. AI computing can consume a lot of energy, which can lead to increased emissions. Google is taking a number of steps to reduce the environmental impact of its AI computing, including:

- Using proven methods to cut emissions from data centers. Google is using a number of techniques to reduce the energy consumption of its data centers, such as using more efficient hardware and software, and using renewable energy sources.

- Developing new ways to increase efficiency. Google is also investing in research and development to find new ways to make AI computing more efficient.

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Working together to drive positive climate impacts

Creating a sustainable future will require collective action from policymakers, government officials, city planners, business leaders, and individuals. Policymakers can make a difference by:

- Encouraging data sharing. Policymakers can encourage data sharing by making it easier for researchers and businesses to access data.

- Ensuring affordable technology access. Policymakers can ensure that AI technology is affordable and accessible to everyone.

- Building awareness. Policymakers can build awareness of the potential of AI to address climate change by educating the public and businesses about its benefits.

- Supporting the creation and expansion of AI and climate-related upskilling programs. Policymakers can support the creation and expansion of AI and climate-related upskilling programs to help workers adapt to the changing economy.

The climate crisis is a complex challenge, but AI has the potential to play a significant role in addressing it. By harnessing the power of AI, we can develop innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and promote sustainable development.

Creating a sustainable future will require collaboration and innovation on a global scale. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that AI is used responsibly and effectively to address climate change.

With concerted effort, we can use AI to build a more sustainable future for all.

Read the full Google report here.

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