AI Legitimacy for Sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability is a vast subject involving various research areas. Emerging technologies, through their development and the possibilities they offer, impact sustainability. In particular, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have been trendy research subjects for almost a decade now. They offer a wide range of potential applications, including energy efficiency and Intelligent Transportation Systems, two key elements for Smart Cities. All these developments seem to put AI in a favorable position to build Sustainability. However, AI’s own ecological impact and carbon footprint is disastrous and drastic changes must be done if this technology is to be used in a sustainable future. This paper offers a short overview of AI potential for sustainability, in the context of Smart cities. Then the drawbacks of AI energy consumption are highlighted. New ways and methodologies are proposed to create greener AI.