AI Technology: A New Weapon Against Amazon Deforestation
In the Columbian forest, a hidden camera trap captures an image of an agouti, a rodent-like creature, triggering the AI tool MegaDetector. This technology swiftly identifies and classifies the animal, reducing the process from days to minutes for wildlife experts.
Such images are crucial for understanding and addressing deforestation in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. Spanning nine countries, the Amazon covers 6 million square kilometres of land and is vital for absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating weather and housing diverse species. Yet, deforestation is accelerating, with nearly 2 million hectares lost in 2022 alone.
To tackle this, Project Guacamaya (MACAW in English), a collaboration between several Columbian organizations and Microsoft, uses AI to monitor deforestation and protect biodiversity. By leveraging advanced data analysis, the project aims to equip policymakers with the tools needed to halt deforestation and preserve Amazon’s crucial ecological role.
AI’s Crucial Role in Modernizing Power Systems
Power Systems are becoming more complex due to increased electricity demand and decarbonization efforts. Unlike traditional grids, modern systems now support multi-directional flows of electricity. These flows are made unpredictable by the rise of grid-connected devices like EV charging stations and residential solar panels. This complexity is further amplified by the integration of power systems with transportation, industry, and buildings.
AI technology, with its rapidly advancing capabilities, is emerging as a key solution. The energy sector is adopting AI to manage the vast data generated by smart grids, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Smart meters and advanced grid monitoring devices produce significantly more data than older technologies, making AI indispensable. AI is already used in over 50 applications within the energy sector, potentially creating a market worth up to USD 13 billion.
AI is particularly valuable for predicting supply and demand, crucial for integrating renewable energy into power systems. By matching variable renewable supply with fluctuating demand, AI maximizes the financial value of renewable sources and eases their integration into the grid.
Harnessing AI For Accelerated Climate Action
The BCG report along with Google, emphasizes the urgent need to accelerate climate action considering the world’s potential failure to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. It highlights AI’s significant role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 5% to 10% by 2030 through advanced application in climate modelling and resilience efforts.
Despite AI’s promising potential, the report also addresses associated risks like data centre emissions and privacy concerns, stressing the importance of strategic policymaking to maximize benefits while minimizing drawbacks in deploying AI for climate solutions.
