AI in Action: Building a Net-Zero Future

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development

Redeemer’s University Nigeria

Tech Fest 3.0 - 2024

Hi 👋🏾, I’m Uchechukwu Azubuko

Lead Frontend Engineer @ OneLiquidity

Co-organizer @ Vue.js Nigeria

Technical Content Creator @ Vue Mastery

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Uchechukwu Azubuko

@UcheAzubuko

@UcheAzubuko

Climate change refresher

Net-Zero

Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere and the amount of greenhouse gases removed or offset from the atmosphere.

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Think of a bathtub

• The bathtub is the atmosphere.
• Water represents greenhouse gases.
• We want to keep a stable level of water in the tub.

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Think of a bathtub

To achieve net-zero water in the tub, the amount of entering the faucet must be equal to the amount of water leaving the drain.

Water enters the tub through the faucet.

And exists through the drain.

Think of a bathtub

We are letting plenty of water in.

And not enough water is going out.

So the tub begins to overflow.

Think of a bathtub

The first thing we need to do is to slow the flow of water as much as possible and unclog the drain if need be.

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• Avoid deforestation
• Reforestation
• Energy conservation
• Renewable energy
• Use of electric cars and public transport
• Carbon capturing

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A Net-Zero Future

We are limited to an additional 600 billion tons of carbon and we are currently emitting 40 billion per year.

Why does it matter?

It requires us to account for our emissions accurately, set reduction targets, implement sustainable practices, and invest in activities like carbon offsetting or removal.

If we stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, then we will limit the rise of global average temperatures and thus, avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change.

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Theory of change

Global goal

Global emissions need to fall by 43% by 2030, and 84% by 2050. If emissions continue unchecked, then further warming of 2.6 °C to 4.8 °C would be expected by the end of this century.

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Time bound

What has AI got to do?

Artificial intelligence, with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify complex patterns, is revolutionizing how we tackle sustainability challenges. By harnessing the power of AI, we can optimize resource utilization, improve energy efficiency, and develop innovative solutions for reducing emissions.

How can AI help?

Measure, predict, and optimize complex systems.

Accelerate the development of sustainability solutions.

Empower the sustainability workforce.

AI-powered sustainability initiatives

• Transportation Optimization: AI algorithms are optimizing transportation networks to minimize emissions and congestion while improving mobility and efficiency.

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• Smart Buildings: AI-enabled building management systems are transforming the way we design, construct, and operate commercial and residential structures.

• Smart Grids: AI-driven smart grid systems help revolutionizing the way electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed.

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• Precision Agriculture: In agriculture, AI-powered precision farming techniques help farmers optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.

Overcoming the challenges of AI

• People: Lack of awareness, engagement and prioritisation, and changing labour demands
• Process: Complexities around areas including innovation, governance, cost, responsibility, accountability and bias
• Technology: Democratised AI and unequal scaling of infrastructure
• Data: Ensuring fit-for-purpose and quality data.

Despite its incredibly fast rise to prolific use, AI is still a relatively young technology.

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The many challenges can be split into four key categories:

What to do next

By working hand in hand with nature, we can achieve the ambitious goal of reaching net zero and create a sustainable planet for future generations.

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Thank you 👋🏾

Redeemer’s University Nigeria

Tech Fest 3.0 - 2024