The Precarious Pirouette: Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 51 - 59, 28.06.2024

Ronald Manhibi Kudzayi Tarisayi

https://doi.org/10.26650/acin.1431443

Abstract

The exponential ascension of artificial intelligence (AI) prompts profound inquiries concerning equitable access to its advantages versus environmental externalities. While trailblazing economies relish AI’s benefits such as economic expansion and technological eminence, the colossal energy required to train and operate AI systems exacts a hefty toll on the environment, disproportionately burdening marginalized nations. This imbalanced paradigm epitomizes disparities of the digital divide, with impoverished nations bearing externalities while lacking access to innovations. This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between AI and environmental sustainability through a qualitative methodology encompassing a literature review and document analysis of industry practices and viewpoints. The findings unveil AI as a double-edged sword, with empirical analyses exposing its striking carbon emissions and resource depletion, which if left unchecked, could impede global decarbonization initiatives. However, AI also demonstrates strong potential for optimizing energy systems, predictive modelling, and advancing climate solutions if conscientiously developed. The study elucidates this conundrum and proposes responsible innovation pathways involving renewable energy adoption, enhanced efficiency, optimized hardware, carbon accounting, transparency, and legislative mindfulness. Integrating climate justice and digital divide perspectives illuminates avenues for steering AI’s trajectory towards environmental stewardship and inclusive accessibility through proactive collaboration across sectors. Ultimately, collective wisdom will determine whether AI ushers in climate justice or injustice.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, climate change, energy efficiency, carbon emissions, climate justice

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