By Ritu Jha-
We shouldn’t overlook the vast potential for artificial intelligence to combat climate change, despite the adverse effects on the climate from data centers needed to power it.
That was the seemingly contradictory message from Seema Arora, Deputy Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), [Above photo]who emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence to address the climate crisis, despite its associated carbon footprint.
Speaking to indica on the sidelines of the Evolve 2024 conference in California, Arora highlighted AI’s ability to accelerate energy efficiency goals, manage large datasets, and reduce costs.
“If you use AI tools in specific sectors to improve energy efficiency, you can reach targets faster, at half the cost and three times the speed,” Arora said.
However, she acknowledged concerns about the environmental impact of data centers required for AI systems. Arora stressed the critical challenge of financing climate initiatives, noting that while public funds play a role, private investment is essential to fill gaps.
“We need to ensure money flows now. If we invest in conventional thermal power or steel plants instead of green alternatives, we risk locking in carbon for decades,” she said.
CII, she added, is focusing on financing mechanisms to support the energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel and cement, and building resilience against climate impacts.
“India is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its coastline, heat stress, and dependency on monsoons,” Arora explained.
Efforts to Combat Stubble Burning
Arora also detailed CII’s work to reduce air pollution caused by stubble burning around Delhi. Collaborating with farmers in Punjab and Haryana, CII has implemented crop residue management programs across 700 villages, providing machines and training. Studies show that incorporating rice straw into soil rather than burning it increases crop yields over time.
According to CII, burning one ton of paddy straw emits harmful pollutants, including carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, contributing to an estimated $1.5 billion in economic losses over five years.
Advancing Green Healthcare
CII’s report, presented at COP29, highlights strategies to reduce the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint while improving sustainability. The report advocates for systemic mitigation efforts, such as waste reduction and transitioning to low-carbon practices, which Arora said align with broader sustainability goals.
Bridging Indian and Global Innovation
CII aims to leverage India’s innovation ecosystem and Silicon Valley expertise to develop AI-driven solutions addressing global challenges.
“With our West Coast office, we seek collaborations that bring Indian innovations to the world,” Arora said.
The conference underscored CII’s commitment to deploying advanced technologies and collaborative efforts to combat climate change, with a focus on actionable solutions for both India and the global community.
