As India continues to lead global actions against climate change, its concrete, result-oriented efforts have paved the way to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to help achieve its sustainable development goals. The country’s targets are clear and as per its updated nationally determined contribution (NDC), it has committed before the world for reducing the emissions intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by the year 2030, have installed capacity for non-fossil fuel-based power sources equivalent to the country’s 50% requirement by 2030, and finally, reach its long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. This renewed focus on the climate crisis and the enormous benefits of AI technology has increased the importance of climate tech like never before. The year 2022 was all about setting the right framework or roadmap toward a sustainable future and going forward. The huge possibilities and opportunities of AI can be the key catalysts to help India progress substantially in its sustainability mission. 

Intelligent systems, energy-efficient buildings backed by AI for energy conservation 

Technological advancements have made smart buildings a reality. Today, AI-enabled energy-efficient buildings integrated with intelligent systems can monitor energy consumption, storing power, enabling renewable energy deployment, and others. It is a great help to benefit occupants who can track their energy usage, and minimize consumption by switching off lights, fans, etc., when not in use. The smart systems are further capable of automatically switching off appliances which is helpful in accelerating decarbonization and reducing the effects of greenhouse gases emission at both micro and macro levels. 

Data visibility to bring behavioral change across levels 

India is rapidly transforming into a digital ecosystem which has resulted in massive amounts of data generation. It is noteworthy that AI can managing and interpreting these complex data on carbon emissions to help individuals, organizations, and governments take responsible actions and make informed decisions to combat climate change and build a healthier future.  

By analyzing data on an individual’s or an organization’s energy consumption or carbon emissions, AI-enabled tools can send personalized recommendations to encourage climate-friendly behaviors. Moreover, the data can enable businesses, governments, and welfare organizations form better strategies for their decarbonization efforts.    

Mitigating risks with accurate forecasts 

Our country experienced the hottest summer during April and May this year. Climate change is not a future challenge anymore, but it has become today’s unfortunate reality. To save human lives and economies from the devastating impacts of climate-related challenges such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods, drought, and others, accurate climate forecasts are crucial. There has been significant improvement in forecasting climate-related risks with technological advancements in India, and AI will bring a tectonic shift in this area. 

AI-based systems can predict the harsh impacts of climate change and events with higher levels of accuracy. When applied, it can give accurate data to predict events such as rise in sea levels, cyclones, storms, less or more rainfall, glacial outbursts, heatwaves, etc. It can help to prepare for unwanted events in advance by establishing critical infrastructure, making necessary arrangements, evacuating people, and minimizing the impacts of climate hazards on the economy. Additionally, AI services can also give alerts on mobile phones to track weather changes and know about thunderstorms, rain, etc., to make short-term or long-term decisions. It can benefit people living in coastal or hilly regions with more risk of getting impacted by these incidents. 

The growing awareness of climate change and technological advancements like AI have unlocked new avenues in India’s climate tech sector. Presently, the country holds 9th rank in terms of climate tech investments. It has to be noted that India’s climate tech companies received USD 1 billion in venture capital funding between 2016 and 2021. It shows the confidence of stakeholders in India’s climate tech ecosystem and the opportunities that can help address pressing environmental issues and achieving economic resilience. A lot has to be explored in terms of how AI can help in combating the rising menace of climate change, and as technology evolves and its implementation in climate tech accelerates, positive results will be visible for sure. 

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