How Can AI Models Enhance Our Understanding of Climate Change?
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world. Its many applications in widely-known sectors such as finance and healthcare have been revolutionary thus far, however its functionality in environmental research and development is often less appreciated. The planet’s climate is at a breaking point, and the damage will be irreversible in just a few years. Nonetheless, with the help of Artificial Intelligence, work in environmental research can completely be transformed.
AI is a tool that I’m sure we’ve all used, from studying for an exam or finding a recipe for chocolate chip cookies, AI truly can be used for anything. AI, as a more technical definition, is ‘a field of science concerned with building machines that can reason, learn, and act in such a way that would normally require human intelligence.’ This definition beautifully encompasses the sheer potential of this technology.
The strong and time efficient data analysis that AI can undergo makes it a vital tool in environmental research. The climate is filled with numerous complex and time dependent relationships - AI’s impressive storage and analysis ability makes it the perfect tool to track and monitor these relationships.
An example of the vital role that AI plays in environmental research is its ability to optimise solar panels . Whilst the orientation of the solar panels occurs, AI tools can simultaneously take weather patterns and environmental parameters into consideration, allowing for maximum light absorption. Furthermore, it can take into account sudden changes in the weather by analysing data in real time in order to ensure a steady flow of electricity.
Artificial intelligence’s ability to help decarbonise industries also cannot be understated. Greenhouse gases go hand in hand with issues such as climate change and pollution; AI technology can now help limit the production of these pollutants. For example, by limiting the amount of toxic fumes that transport vehicles release. Transportation of goods is a huge contributor of greenhouse gases - by considering traffic patterns and fuel consumption - AI can lead to more effective transportation operations.
A final example that highlights the importance of AI in environmental development and understanding is the power it has in wildlife conservation. AI can analyse previously collected data to develop predictive models regarding the behaviour and distribution of animals. This in turn will allow appropriate conservation plans to be put in place.
It is crucial that we continue to conduct research into the different methods in which AI can be utilised. With its rapid growth and exponential improvement, the opportunities now available to us are endless. That is why, responsible investment of time and resources is of the utmost importance. Narrowing the application of AI into sectors, such as climate change and global warming, means that we can finally change the trajectory of what has previously seemed like such a hopeless cause.