The climate crisis it is one of the greatest challenges of our era. Temperature record e environmental risks require rapid action, and many companies are trying to balance economic growth with the need to reduce environmental impact. Artificial intelligence (AI), as highlighted by Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer di SAPcan play a crucial role in promote sustainabilitybut not without some complexities.
AI as an accelerator for sustainability
While artificial intelligence is not a “magic wand” for solving climate change, it is a powerful tool for scaling and speeding up global efforts. Its ability to analyze large amounts of data allows companies to identify inefficiencies and hidden connections that improve environmental impact.
Sophia Mendelsohn, SAP
A case in point is precision agriculture, where AI uses satellite data and sensors to optimize the use of water and fertilizers, increasing crop yields and reducing waste. In the energy sector, AI enables systems such as virtual power plants, improving grid efficiency and reducing dependence on traditional power plants.
The energy paradox of AI
However, AI is not without costs. Data centers that power AI systems consume enormous amounts of energy, raising questions about the actual return in terms of sustainability. This paradox pushes companies to ask themselves: do the benefits outweigh the energy costs?
As Sophia Mendelsohn points out, the energy efficiency of AI is improving, thanks to innovations in data centers and cloud services. For example, solutions SAP have shown that optimizing logistics routes reduces both emissions and costs.
Case studies: AI applied to sustainability
Two concrete examples highlight the effectiveness of AI:
- Ambipara leader in environmental management, uses AI to monitor global emissions and integrate sustainability and financial data. This approach has allowed us to define more ecological growth strategies.
- msg global has taken a structured approach to sustainability, using AI to obtain reliable data and improve environmental reporting.
Collaboration and innovation for the future
To maximize the potential of AI, collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society is needed. Investing in research and energy optimization of AI is essential to maximize benefits and reduce impact.
According to Mendelsohn, AI is a catalyst for halving global emissions by 2030. Despite the challenges, it is time to act, using AI to create a balance between sustainability and profitability.
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Source: diarioinnovazione.it
