AI Analytics for Carbon-Neutral City Planning: A Systematic Review of Applications

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force across various disciplines, including urban planning. It has unprecedented potential to address complex challenges. An essential task is to facilitate informed decision making regarding the integration of constantly evolving AI analytics into planning research and practice. This paper presents a review of how AI methods are applied in urban studies, focusing particularly on carbon neutrality planning. We highlight how AI is already being used to generate new scientific knowledge on the interactions between human activities and nature. We consider the conditions in which the advantages of AI-enabled urban studies can positively influence decision-making outcomes. We also consider the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible AI governance, and community engagement in guiding data-driven methods and suggest how AI can contribute to supporting carbon-neutrality goals.