By Bhuvakshi Singh
Global Warning on Global Warming.
Globalisation connects lands and seas in more ways than one. The welcoming of advancement in the fields of technology and finance are obvious, but the lack of preparedness for global catastrophes leaves footprints of extreme climate condition. This is a known fact since the landmark attempt to control the same; Stockholm Declaration 1972. With progression in time scale also increased the number of legislations to combat the parallel increase of deterioration of the environment. The degradation of natural resources, climate change caused by human activities and the pollution of air, water and soil exhibit the multitude of exploitation of ecosystems by humans.
Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity, deforestation and waste management are also significant issues that need to be addressed on a global scale. All countries have a responsibility to ensure environmental protection and various strategies should be adopted according to the specific challenges faced by each country. The reason for a global warning is simple. Preservation is the ultimate aim of any species. Environmental protection is crucial for conserving the Earth's rich biodiversity. Ecosystems rely on a delicate balance of flora and fauna to function effectively. Human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution threaten the existence of numerous species. Preserving biodiversity maintains ecological stability, promotes genetic diversity, and allows for the discovery of potential medicinal resources.
It is the innate need for survival that caused bloody wars or even entering into passive-aggressive relations. So, why is it difficult to take instant collective actions to preserve the planet we grow and go on? To this end, a series of international provisions with universal vocation has been adopted by means of collaboration and cooperation among states. The international and national measures regarding environmental protection have been provided for, stated, or recognized at the level of international general or conventional law.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD), The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 are a few examples of the international and international law respectively. However, the legislation proved to be inefficient in tackling environmental problems single-handedly.
With new kinds of environmental problems tossing human lives, new techniques that cut across national territorial borders are required. This article tries to comment and cite examples of how AI could be tamed to bring it to the best human use and keep it within the legal frameworks.
The Uprise of AI's Rule
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the fundamental functioning of society. It has seeped into every seemingly possible sphere of the human-constructed world. Making judiciary decisions, detecting car emissions, medical diagnoses, driving cars, and experiencing virtual realities just within the click of a button. The constructive use of AI with due deliberation could prove to be a boon to human existence. Through new strategies being implemented, AI can have environmental implications. Environmental protection could be trusted in the hands of AI with a better understanding of the power of algorithms. AI can help improve resource use, improve energy efficiency, predict extreme weather events, and aid in scientific research.
DeepMind: Case Study
DeepMind, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) group, utilised its machine learning expertise to lower energy consumption at one of Google's data centres. By analysing data regularly collected at the data centre, their AI system accurately modelled energy efficiency performance, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of 99.6%.
As a result, Google managed to reduce the energy usage of its already-efficient data centre by 15%.
In the United States, data centres consumed a substantial 70 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy in 2014, accounting for 1.8% of the country's total estimated energy consumption. Projections indicate that data centre energy consumption will reach 73 billion kWh by 2020. By applying DeepMind's AI system to other data centres, significant reductions in the carbon footprint associated with cloud computing resources utilised by businesses and consumers can be achieved.
Volkswagen: Case Study
Volkswagen, a German car company, became embroiled in a global environmental scandal. The company's engineers intentionally programmed emissions-regulating software to manipulate emissions test results for their diesel-powered vehicles, which were heavily promoted as "clean diesel models." This software could identify when the cars were undergoing emissions tests and activate emissions controls to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases.
However, once the vehicles were on the road, the emissions controls would deactivate, causing NOx emissions to increase by up to 40 times the permitted levels.
NOx gases are harmful and contribute to various health issues, including respiratory problems like asthma. Subsequent studies revealed that the increased emissions could potentially cause more than 1,200 premature deaths in Europe and lead to approximately €1.9 million (around $2.4 million USD) in lost productivity. The unfettered power of AI can be misused. Thus, stepping of government into the shoes of a welfare state with rules and regulations is required.
INTERFACE OF GOVERNANCE AND AI: ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
AI has the potential to both enhance and exacerbate environmental challenges, necessitating the implementation of governance mechanisms to ensure its responsible deployment.
Senator Edmund Muskie's call for a comprehensive strategy to protect the environment during the inaugural Earth Day in 1970 still holds relevance today.
Over the past five decades, progress has undoubtedly been made in improving environmental quality. However, the rapidly evolving pace of change has rendered traditional linear strategies inadequate.
Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum, succinctly captures this paradigm shift by stating that,
"We are transitioning from a world where the powerful dominate the weak to a world where the swift outpaces the slow."
Consequently, a holistic and adaptable approach is needed to effectively address environmental challenges in the era of AI and rapid technological advancements.
The emergence of AI-driven technologies, particularly in the transportation sector, has brought about significant changes. The introduction of self-driving cars, for example, holds the potential to revolutionise transportation and promote environmental sustainability. These autonomous vehicles are designed to optimise routes, minimise idling time, and reduce fuel consumption, thereby contributing to a decrease in fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
However, it is important to consider potential drawbacks as well. The convenience and safety offered by self-driving cars may lead to a greater willingness to tolerate longer commutes, resulting in increased overall vehicle miles travelled. This, in turn, could lead to a reduced reliance on public transit systems, bicycles, and walking, which are typically more sustainable modes of transportation. Additionally, the widespread adoption of self-driving cars might slow down the transition to electric vehicles, as people may perceive self-driving cars as an alternative solution rather than shifting to electric vehicles that are already available.
To ensure the positive impact of AI in transportation, it is crucial to strike a balance.
Policymakers and stakeholders need to address potential challenges by promoting sustainable transportation practices, encouraging the use of public transit systems, supporting active modes of transport, and incentivizing the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles. By carefully managing the integration of self-driving cars and implementing supportive policies, we can harness the environmental benefits of AI while mitigating potential negative consequences. According to a recent study conducted by the University of California at Davis, The environmental impact of self-driving vehicles will largely depend on their integration into society. The study emphasises that in order to effectively reduce both vehicle miles travelled and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, self-driving cars should be primarily deployed within shared ownership and ride-sharing fleets, as opposed to being privately owned vehicles. The report further suggests that these self-driving cars should be zero-emission vehicles, designed to promote and increase the use of public transit rather than replacing it entirely.
By implementing these recommendations, self-driving vehicles have the potential to significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
The above-stated example is the best way to debunk the intertwining of a democratic society where the rule of law prevails over the right mixture of artificial intelligence. All of these initiatives require strong policies to influence consumer and manufacturer behaviour. Ride-share fleets would help to limit the number of trips taken by requiring that consumers pay full price for the ride. Improving vehicle and road safety could increase bike ridership and walkability. Policies promoting the use of self-driving cars in combination with public transit options could help provide the “last mile of travel” and increase the use of public transit. Governance will play an important role in ensuring the use of AI.
CONCLUSION
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to support the rule of law in various ways. For instance, AI tools can help streamline legal processes such as document review and contract analysis, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. Moreover, AI-based decision-making can also promote consistency and fairness in the application of the law.
Nevertheless, there are reservations regarding the dependency on artificial intelligence (AI) for policy formulation and execution. Berman conducted a study examining the compatibility of this reliance on AI with the principles of the rule of law. The utilisation of AI in policy formulation and implementation has the potential to undermine the rule of law if it results in arbitrary or biased decision-making. Consequently, it is imperative to guarantee transparency and accountability in the use of AI within the legal system.
Loved this piece. Kudos, Bhuvakshi!