@article{article_1788650, title={Artificial Intelligence Applications in Addressing the Ecological Crisis: A Critical Review}, journal={Social Review of Technology and Change}, volume={3}, pages={135–156}, year={2025}, author={Güneş, Bedri Sina}, keywords={Artificial Intelligence, Ecological Crisis, Environmental Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Carbon Capture, Data Infrastructure}, abstract={This study critically examines the potential of 21st-century technological transformation, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in addressing ecological crises. Drawing on historical and societal transformations—from hunter-gatherer societies to feudal and capitalist systems—it highlights how human-nature relationships have been reshaped and how ecological crises are closely intertwined with production relations. The paper explores AI applications in key ecological domains, including water quality, air quality, biodiversity and habitat conservation, and carbon capture and storage, demonstrating that these technologies can play an effective role in monitoring and mitigating environmental problems. However, case studies indicate that the potential benefits of AI are constrained by data infrastructure gaps, high costs, algorithmic uncertainties, social inequalities, and insufficient governance mechanisms. The study argues that the effectiveness of AI in ecological crisis management depends not only on technical advancements but also on social adaptation, inclusive governance, and equitable access to resources. When deployed with societal oversight and aligned with collective well-being, AI technologies can serve as powerful tools for sustainable ecological management, whereas unregulated or inequitable use risks deepening existing crises. The findings underscore the importance of integrating technical, social, and ecological considerations to fully leverage AI’s potential in addressing global environmental challenges.}, number={2}, publisher={Işık University Press}