Google, IBM & Samsung: The role of AI in climate tech
Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a hot - and controversial - topic.
Whilst the positive opportunities seem endless, the negatives are too.
Google reported a 13% increase in its GHG emissions which it says was driven by the use of AI and data centre power consumption.
Trained on data created by humans, it comes with a range of social and ethical implications.
However, it has potential to do a lot of good for the climate and humanity.
IBM’s Chief Sustainability Officer Christina Shim is optimistic about the tech.
Christina says: “From minimising climate-related risks to creating and implementing industry solutions that harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud, we will create more pathways to better conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact."
AI and energy
By analysing datasets related to electricity demand and weather patterns, AI algorithms can enhance the efficiency of wind and solar power operations.
AI can also optimise energy use to increase efficiency.
Google DeepMind has developed a number of energy efficiency solutions, including an AI framework that reduces the amount of energy needed for data centre cooling by 40%.
Sims Witherspoon, Climate Action Lead at Google DeepMind, says: “AI is not a “silver bullet” for the climate crisis.
“As one tool among the many required, we do need its speed & scale to help us understand climate change, to optimise current infrastructure, and to accelerate breakthrough science.”
Environmental monitoring and disaster protection
Through the use of satellite imagery and sensor data, AI systems can monitor the environment from deforestation to natural disasters.
Real-time monitoring allows for quicker, more effective responses to environmental crises and aids in the development of conservation strategies.
IBM developed the Environmental Intelligence Suite, an AI-powered platform for monitoring and forecasting weather and climate impacts
Monica Cernuda Rego, Vice President, EMEA Sustainability Software Leader at IBM, explains: “Extreme weather events can be catastrophic to both people and the environment. But flash floods, hurricanes and winter storms also profoundly impact utilities.
“Today, utilities are meeting these challenges and risks with innovation by leaning on data and AI to prepare for the next event.”
It is also collaborating with the WWF to track African forest elephants in efforts to preserve ecosystems.
AI smart infrastructure
Smart homes, smart cities and smart grids are just a few of the places AI is making technology more efficient and reducing power consumption.
Smart homes are equipped with internet-connected devices that can be used for remote monitoring and management of systems and appliances like thermostats, lightbulbs and security systems.
Samsung’s SmartThings allows for real-time monitoring of energy usage across devices including fridges, air conditioning units and washing machines.
The company has partnered with British Gas to give customers greater control of their energy use through the SmartThings app.
Deborah Honig, Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, says: “This collaboration will help educate consumers on the benefits of moving to heat pumps as well as how to manage their overall energy use through our leading home management app, SmartThings.
“It is an exciting moment for the technology and energy sectors to offer innovative ways for customers to manage their energy with less effort.
“Through SmartThings, we are putting the power directly into the customer’s hands so they can take greater control of how they manage their homes and energy use more efficiently.”
******
Receive the next edition of ClimateTech Magazine by signing up for its newsletter.
As part of this portfolio, make sure you check out Sustainability Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE.
Also check out our Sister Brand, Energy Digital.
******
ClimateTech Digital is a BizClik brand.