The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

From climate change to landfill, AI promises to solve Earth’s big environmental problems – but there’s a hitch

  • Written by Ehsan Noroozinejad, Senior Researcher, Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University



Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised our lives in myriad ways, from personalising our social media feeds to giving us driving directions and monitoring our health.

In recent years, hopes have grown that AI may also help humanity tackle[1] global environmental problems such as climate change.

AI involves using computers to make them think like humans. It can solve complex problems and process huge amounts of data.

But the technology brings with it a host of environmental costs. Here, we weigh up the pros and cons.


4 ways AI can help the natural world

Energy efficiency

AI systems can control and optimise energy use. For example, AI-powered “smart grids[2]” monitor and manage electricity generation to meet the demand of consumers, which can both lower energy costs and allow for more efficient energy use.

AI can also help streamline the energy used by big commercial and industrial systems. Tech giant Google, for instance, used AI to cut the amount of energy required to cool its data centres by 40%[3].

Urban Infrastructure

Waste management systems driven by AI may help increase recycling rates. In the United Kingdom, for example, recycling company Recycleye uses AI to identify materials[4] for sorting, lowering contamination rates and increasing recycling volumes – and so, reducing pressure on landfill.

And AI-powered “smart cities[5]” technologies help make public transport systems work more smoothly, which can reduce congestion and minimise vehicle emissions.

Artificial intelligence can also be deployed to improve air quality in cities. IBM, for example, uses the technology to[6] analyse weather and air pollution data from sensors and satellites. This can help[7] authorities pinpoint pollution sources, make air quality forecasts and issue health alerts.

cars against city skyline
AI can help authorities manage air pollution and traffic flows. NARONG SANGNAK/EPA

Sustainable agriculture

AI-powered smart machines, robots and sensors are already used in agriculture.

They can provide real-time monitoring of weather, soil conditions and crop needs, leading to better water use and ensuring crops receive only what they need.

The technology can also identify pests[8], reducing the need to spray chemical pesticides on crops.

As climate change worsens, there are hopes AI can help farmers avoid reduced crop yields and become more resilient.

Environmental monitoring

AI systems can forecast[9] floods, bushfires and other natural hazards quickly and accurately. This can minimise the effects of natural hazards on both the environment and communities.

AI can be used to track environmental change. For example, it can reportedly measure changes in icebergs 10,000 times faster[10] than a human can.

Meanwhile, environmental group The Nature Conservancy uses AI to minimise[11] the environmental impacts of hydropower across the Amazon.

boat sails up to iceberg
AI can measure changes in icebergs 10,000 times faster than a human can. Chris Szagola/AP

But what about the downsides?

The path to realising the potential of AI is fraught – and the technology comes with several major downsides, as outlined below.

Energy use

Artificial intelligence guzzles a huge amount[12] of energy. First the computer models must be “trained”, or fed a large set of data. This feeding can be relatively quick, or take up to several months[13] – during which time big data processors are running 24/7.

And when we ask AI to solve a problem, this also requires processing power which consumes energy. Advanced AI models such as ChatGPT reportedly use ten times more energy per search[14] than a conventional Google search, according to one estimate. Only a small fraction of this demand is met by renewable energy sources.

The International Energy Agency projects[15] electricity consumption from data centres, AI and cryptocurrency sector could double in the four years to 2026, from 460 terawatt-hours in 2022 to more than 1,000 terrawatt-hours in 2026.

By comparison, total electricity generation in Australia in 2022 was around 273 terawatt-hours[16].

Greener AI systems are urgently needed – and this is looking increasingly possible. Studies have shown[17] the energy use of AI-based computer models can be slashed through various means, such as reducing a model’s complexity without affecting its performance.

iPhone with ChatGPT icon
A ChatGPT search uses far more energy than a Google search. Bianca Di Marchi

Water impacts

The water requirements of AI are significant[18]. The data centres housing powerful AI servers generate a lot of heat. Water is used in cooling to keep the servers at operating temperature.

AI also consumes water indirectly through its energy consumption. Coal-fired power stations use water for cooling, and water is also lost through evaporation[19] from hydro electricity schemes.

And as others have noted[20], the mining and manufacturing required to produce AI hardware both uses and pollutes water.

Broader environmental damage

The environmental impact of AI goes beyond its energy use. For example, as Scientific American has reported[21], ExxonMobil in 2019 partnered with Microsoft to deploy AI in oil extraction, substantially increasing production.

As the article also noted, the use of AI in targeted online advertising – on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook – creates demand for material goods. This leads to greater consumption of mass-produced items which creates carbon emissions and uses Earth’s natural resources.

woman in warehouse filling trolley
Online advertising powered by AI can increase demand for mass-produced goods. JENNIFER DUDLEY-NICHOLSON/AP

Where to now?

As AI becomes more integrated into modern life, its environmental footprint will grow. Humanity must find the right balance to ensure AI helps the Earth, rather than harms it.

To better achieve this, standard criteria must be developed to accurately measure[22] the effects of AI on the environment.

There is also a push from some quarters[23] for more environmental regulation of AI, and greater transparency from companies about their AI-related emissions.

But efforts to make AI more environmentally friendly will struggle for public and industry acceptance if the effectiveness of AI systems is sacrificed. To avoid this, stronger collaboration between researchers and the AI industry is needed[24].

References

  1. ^ help humanity tackle (www.unep.org)
  2. ^ smart grids (www.iea.org)
  3. ^ data centres by 40% (deepmind.google)
  4. ^ identify materials (recycleye.com)
  5. ^ smart cities (www.mdpi.com)
  6. ^ uses the technology to (www.smart-energy.com)
  7. ^ can help (www.bbc.com)
  8. ^ identify pests (www.forbes.com)
  9. ^ can forecast (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ 10,000 times faster (www.weforum.org)
  11. ^ minimise (www.nature.org)
  12. ^ huge amount (www.scientificamerican.com)
  13. ^ several months (www.forbes.com)
  14. ^ ten times more energy per search (www.npr.org)
  15. ^ projects (iea.blob.core.windows.net)
  16. ^ 273 terawatt-hours (www.energy.gov.au)
  17. ^ Studies have shown (arxiv.org)
  18. ^ significant (oecd.ai)
  19. ^ evaporation (www.researchgate.net)
  20. ^ others have noted (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ has reported (www.scientificamerican.com)
  22. ^ accurately measure (hai.stanford.edu)
  23. ^ push from some quarters (www.wsj.com)
  24. ^ is needed (wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/from-climate-change-to-landfill-ai-promises-to-solve-earths-big-environmental-problems-but-theres-a-hitch-235011

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...