AI and sustainability: This is how technology influences our future!

AI and sustainability: This is how technology influences our future!

The discussion about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in today's society is becoming increasingly important, especially in relation to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Dr. Rebekka Volk from the University of Freiburg has focused on training young people in her new position and sees AI as both opportunities and challenges for sustainable technical systems.

Volk's goal is to inspire students and promote creative, critical thinking. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and taking responsibility in her teaching. “The learning processes are enriching for me too,” she says, pointing to the students’ valuable questions that provide inspiration for improvements. [uni-freiburg.de]

Artificial intelligence and sustainability

A recent report shows that AI has significant potential for implementing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) Pact. While AI can help achieve these goals on an ecological level, there are also risks on a social level. According to a study published in the journal *Nature Communications*, 134 of the 169 unique targets could benefit from AI, while 59 unique targets could be negatively affected. [kooperation-international.de]

The study sees enormous potential for AI, particularly in the environmental sector, for example in improving the understanding of species distribution and the efficient planning of protected areas. AI technologies could also reduce energy consumption and promote the generation of clean, affordable energy. Smart grids could optimize electricity demand and improve the use of renewable energy sources.

Challenges of AI

At the same time, research points to serious challenges. Without appropriate policy and legal frameworks, AI applications could increase social inequalities, promote distorted election results and fuel social nationalism. Professor Volk has also addressed these ethical aspects in her considerations and sees the need to use AI responsibly. [ioew.de]

Given the current global political situation and scarce resources, Volk is also concerned about the polarized social situation. The discussion about future, peaceful coexistence is important to her. She expects a lively exchange with students and sees their ideas as a valuable enrichment for her research team and her teaching formats.

Professor Volk's anticipation of future joint projects and personal exchanges in Freiburg's old town about personal interests such as cycling and future-oriented technologies is palpable. The challenge remains to utilize the potential of AI while simultaneously managing its risks in order to successfully achieve the UN Sustainability Goals.