AI Challenges for a Sustainable Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a fundamental transformative force which can create revolutionary solutions to protect the environment while encouraging economic development and improving social progress. AI also brings potential threats for the planet and for future generations. AI Challenges for a Sustainable Future analyzes the role of AI in promoting sustainability while also addressing the significant challenges it introduces which threaten long-term ecological and social equilibrium. It examines the impact of AI biases, along with energy use optimization challenges and social economic problems that result from AI applications. The book presents analysis of natural resource governance and sustainable computing development, and offers solutions to aid in the achievement of worldwide Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and questions how we can control AI technology before it undermines future developments. Each chapter explores a key issue, highlights obstacles, and suggests technological, ethical, and policy-oriented strategies to lessen AI's adverse effects while enhancing its advantages for a sustainable future. The book advocates for energy-efficient AI algorithms, green computing, and the development of sustainable hardware. It also recommends decentralized AI models to decrease dependence on energy-intensive cloud computing. Additionally, it discusses policy frameworks aimed at fostering responsible AI development and achieving carbon-neutral AI systems.

• examines AI's challenges in sustainability, addressing key topics such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, resource management, and urbanization, to allow a 360-degree view of AI's impact on global sustainability challenges
• explores critical ethical considerations surrounding AI, such as fairness, bias, and their potential effects on the job market and socioeconomic inequalities, highlighting the responsibility of AI in fostering social sustainability alongside environmental goals
• offers real-world applications and case studies to provide practical insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders on how to harness AI for positive social and environmental change, while also addressing its inherent challenges
• adopts an interdisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between AI challenges, environmental science, economics, and social justice