Artificial intelligence-based solutions for climate change: a review

Abstract

Climate change is a major threat already causing system damage to urban and natural systems, and inducing global economic losses of over $500 billion. These issues may be partly solved by artificial intelligence because artificial intelligence integrates internet resources to make prompt suggestions based on accurate climate change predictions. Here we review recent research and applications of artificial intelligence in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, with a focus on energy efficiency, carbon sequestration and storage, weather and renewable energy forecasting, grid management, building design, transportation, precision agriculture, industrial processes, reducing deforestation, and resilient cities. We found that enhancing energy efficiency can significantly contribute to reducing the impact of climate change. Smart manufacturing can reduce energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions by 30–50% and, in particular, can reduce energy consumption in buildings by 30–50%. About 70% of the global natural gas industry utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts. Combining smart grids with artificial intelligence can optimize the efficiency of power systems, thereby reducing electricity bills by 10–20%. Intelligent transportation systems can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 60%. Moreover, the management of natural resources and the design of resilient cities through the application of artificial intelligence can further promote sustainability.

The synergistic interplay of artificial intelligence and digital twin in environmentally planning sustainable smart cities: A comprehensive systematic review

“…It is crucial to highlight the growing body of research exploring the transformative potential of AI and AIoT in promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change risks in the context of sustainable smart cities. While previous studies have examined aspects of AI and AIoT in these individual domains [ 9 , 12 , 75 ], the comprehensive systematic review by Bibri et al. [ 8 ] stands out for its extensive analysis of applied AI and AIoT solutions for environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation and adaptation in emerging smarter eco-cities.…”

“…[ 7 , 8 ] for detailed reviews). They rely heavily on data, AI algorithms, and AIoT tools to understand current environmental conditions, predict future trends, and make informed decisions to minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainability in smart cities and beyond [ [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [75] ]. In the context of sustainable smart cities, AIoT can enhance environmental sustainability strategies by enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of resource use.…”

“…Table 1 outlines the distinctive contributions of AI, IoT, and AIoT across various domains of sustainable smart cities in environmental sustainability and climate change. These insights are derived from a wide-ranging collection of relevant studies, encompassing both comprehensive explorations [ [8] , [9] , [12] , [13] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [66] , [104] , [110] , [111] , [112] ] and more targeted investigations, both focused on the utilization of AI and AIoT to tackle complex environmental challenges.…”

“…This integrated approach highlights the synergistic potential of AI and AIoT technologies in reshaping urban planning strategies to address complex environmental challenges. Indeed, these technologies have significantly impacted multiple urban domains by optimizing resource management, enhancing energy efficiency, maximizing the utilization of renewable energy sources, streamlining waste management processes, improving transportation systems, preserving biodiversity, reducing environmental footprints, and mitigating the potential risks of climate change [ [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] ]. Through the provision of comprehensive environmental data, the facilitation of seamless integration of urban systems, and the coordination of various urban domains, AI and AIoT technologies closely align with the fundamental responsibilities of urban planners.…”

Does AI Application Matter in Promoting Carbon Productivity? Fresh Evidence from 30 Provinces in China

“…This endangers the achievement of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the related Sustainable Development Goals [5]. AI, characterized by high permeability, synergy, and multiplication, is often seen as a potential solution to address these challenges [6]. According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group, the use of AI helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5-10% for a single organization, and if scaled globally, the reduction could be 2.6 to 5.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent [7].…”