The rise of ChatGPT

Since last December, interest in ChatGPT, one of the most talked-about AI tools, has increased by 2633%, which is not surprising given how frequently it comes up in conversations about AI writing software. This astounding increase in interest over the past few months, which recently included passing some graduate-level exams, will undoubtedly continue as technology progresses.[i] But if this tool can pass university exams, where does its knowledge end? This led us at ZCA to take a punt and ask ChatGPT a simple question but one with a far from simple answer: “How can we solve the climate crisis?”.

The AI software gave us a fairly detailed answer. It outlined seven areas that its computer-driven mind felt were the most important in tackling what many consider the greatest issue facing humanity.

·                Transition to Renewable Energy

·                Energy Efficiency and Conservation

·                Sustainable Transportation

·                Forest Conservation and Reforestation

·                Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices

·                Climate Policy and International Cooperation

·                Public Awareness and Education[ii]

ChatGPT even qualified its statement by saying, “It's important to note that these solutions are interconnected and must be implemented collectively at a global scale. Addressing the climate crisis requires a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, communities, and individuals working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.”[iii]

Despite this eloquence and its seven very worthwhile and sane areas that must be addressed, it is certainly not time for us to set down our climate ambitions and expect ChatGPT to be able to design itself some arms and set to work itself. We have to understand that it is simply a tool; much like a paintbrush, it relies on the person wielding it. With a paintbrush, I may just manage a stick figure, but Van Gogh gave us Starry Night. Similarly, with this AI tool, I have generated a ripple rather than the splash that AI technology is making upon the world of zero carbon and climate change.

AI that makes a splash, not a ripple

Breaking language barriers

Thanks to a global network of volunteers and one AI-powered model, more than 500,000 words from climate change resources have been translated from English into various other languages.  Ventures like these remove barriers that prevent non-English speakers from participating in the global climate movement by fusing technology and climate. Climate Cardinals, a youth-led non-profit with more than 9,000 volunteers in more than 40 countries, announced on the 6th of June that it had partnered with Google to expand its use of AI-enabled technologies for language translation. Sophia Kianni, an Iranian-American climate activist and the creator of Climate Cardinals, lamented the fact that those who don't know English have long been unable to participate in the global climate fight.[iv]

Prediction for predicaments

A £3 million project run by researchers at Heriot-Watt University uses artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate the effects of carbon emissions. Through carbon capture and storage, ECO-AI is aiming to decarbonise industries that are difficult to tackle, such as steel, cement, and chemicals. In order to enable effective CO2 capture and storage in deep geological formations, it will do this by developing specialised AI techniques for scientific computing, material discovery, and financial forecasting while outlining the financial implications of deploying these techniques for businesses and policymakers.[v] By expediting the process of identifying viable areas for carbon capture and storage projects, this application of AI could help the UK and the world speed up its rollout of this critical climate solution.

Measuring and reporting

Over the past two years, more and more governments throughout the world have passed legislation requiring businesses to report ESG measures. The European Commission approved a plan in 2021 that will make businesses start reporting on social and environmental implications in 2024. The environmental and social disclosure guidelines have all been amended by the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. The US Securities and Exchange Commission also put up regulations in August 2022 to improve and standardise climate-related reporting. However, most businesses are not yet ready to satisfy these new criteria. They require automated solutions that integrate data, offer the entire range of functionality for measuring emissions, and manage ESG performance more broadly. A key component of such a solution is AI.[vi] AI-powered systems are touted to offer data fusion, validation, and mapping to modern standards and frameworks in close to real-time. The aim is to reduce the difficulty of measuring and reporting emissions for systems with AI integration. This includes emissions under Scope 1, 2, and 3, the last of which is notoriously challenging to monitor.[vii]

Keeping pace with AI developments could give you the edge

Each of these solutions represents the unification of human and artificial intelligence. Broadening your horizons beyond the fascination for ChatGPT will open up a whole new world of AI-driven solutions to the climate crisis. AI may become one of our most powerful tools, so I, for one, am intent on ensuring I am not quite as incompetent with it as I am with a paintbrush. Training has always been at the heart of ZCA’s mission, and as such, we will always work hard to provide training resources that will match the needs of the business world. To keep up to date with our latest course offerings, join our mailing list here.

References

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[i] Business Leader- The rise of AI: Searches for Chat GPT jump 2633% since December

[ii] Open AI- Chat GPT

[iii] Ibid

[iv] Axios- AI is shattering climate language barriers

[v] Heriot-Watt University- Achieving UK’s net zero targets using AI

[vi] World Economic Forum- Without AI, we won’t meet ESG goals and address climate change

[vii] Ibid