AI Is an Accelerator for Sustainability - But It Is Not a Silver Bullet

Rhea-AI Summary

SAP's Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer, Sophia Mendelsohn, discusses the potential of AI in accelerating sustainability efforts, while cautioning against viewing it as a silver bullet. The press release highlights:

• 2023 recorded the hottest temperatures to date, nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels
• Businesses must drive change in the face of intensifying climate crisis
• AI presents a unique opportunity to accelerate climate action
• AI's energy demands could undermine its benefits if not managed carefully

The article emphasizes the need for understanding AI's true potential and limitations in addressing climate change. It suggests that while AI can help scale and expedite sustainability efforts, its implementation must be carefully managed to ensure a positive return on investment and avoid potential drawbacks.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2024 / SAP

Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer, SAP

• AI has the potential to significantly bolster sustainability efforts.

• But we should not view it as a silver bullet - it also has drawbacks.

• Managing those drawbacks and ensuring the right return on investment in AI tech is key.

Originally published by World Economic Forum

The global community stands at a critical juncture. With 2023 recording the hottest temperatures to date, we are on the verge of surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. The climate crisis is intensifying, and without swift, decisive action, we risk hitting irreversible tipping points.

Businesses must step up as key drivers of change. The convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability presents a unique opportunity to accelerate climate action.

However, while AI is often hailed as a "silver bullet" for addressing climate change, it is important to understand its true potential - and its limitations. AI can help scale and expedite sustainability efforts, but like kryptonite, its energy demands could undermine its benefits if not managed carefully.

So, can AI propel us forward, or will its costs weigh us down?

Continue reading here

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Contact Info:
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SOURCE: SAP

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What does SAP say about AI's role in sustainability efforts?

SAP views AI as an accelerator for sustainability efforts, but cautions against seeing it as a silver bullet. They emphasize the need to manage AI's drawbacks and ensure proper return on investment in AI technology.

How does SAP (SAP) describe the current climate situation?

SAP describes 2023 as recording the hottest temperatures to date, with the global community nearing the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. They warn of intensifying climate crisis and the risk of hitting irreversible tipping points without swift action.

What potential drawback of AI does SAP (SAP) mention in relation to sustainability?

SAP mentions that AI's energy demands could potentially undermine its benefits for sustainability if not managed carefully. They compare this to kryptonite, suggesting it could weaken AI's positive impact on climate action.

Who from SAP (SAP) provided insights on AI and sustainability in this press release?

The insights on AI and sustainability were provided by Sophia Mendelsohn, SAP's Chief Sustainability and Commercial Officer.