Climate change is a key challenge today, and technology’s role in both
exacerbating and addressing this crisis is widely discussed and researched.
We have seen how digital technologies and information systems can help
tackle the issues related to the climate crisis. These modern tools help with
tracking and managing environmental changes and are essential for finding
new ways to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Such systems
enable decision-makers and individuals alike to engage with and respond to
environmental issues in a more knowledgeable and proactive manner. [1].
New technologies, especially AI and machine learning, offer a great chance
to improve our understanding of the specific challenges related to climate
change. These advanced tools can help us understand climate issues better
and develop effective ways to tackle them. [1,4].
Simultaneously, we must acknowledge that technology has the potential to
worsen the issue, establishing new dependencies and avenues that could
unintentionally further climate change [1,4]. [1,4]. “Natural solutions,
including reforestation and ecosystem restoration, play a essential role in
addressing global warming.” [2,3]. The equilibrium between technological
and natural methodologies remains a subject of ongoing exploration and
discussion.
It's also important to understand the value of solutions that focus on the
demand side, which are designed to change people’s behavior and choices.
Also, there are socio-technical transitions that have the potential to
fundamentally change the ways in which we produce goods, consume
resources, and navigate our daily lives. These approaches not only
encourage a shift in personal choices but also emphasize the broader
widespread changes necessary for a sustainable future. [3,4]. Renewable
energy, circular economy strategies, and other innovative technologies offer
hope, but we must also consider their environmental impacts and
sustainability [6-8].
AI, in particular, holds great potential to enhance our understanding of
climate change and support the development of effective solutions.
Nonetheless, it is of utmost importance that the development and
implementation of artificial intelligence within this particular context is
approached with a sense of responsibility. This process not only comes with
its distinct set of challenges but also demands well-considered
recommendations to ensure its success and ethical use [5,9].
This study focuses on exploring these complicated and connected problems.
Our key objectives are:
1. Investigating the role of technology, from digital systems to emerging
innovations, in climate change monitoring, management, and
mitigation.
2. Examining the potential and limitations of AI and ML in addressing
climate change challenges.
3. Evaluating the relative merits of technological solutions versus nature-
based approaches, and exploring opportunities for integration.
4. Analyzing the impact of demand-side solutions and socio-technical
transitions on climate change mitigation, and the role of technology in
shaping these processes.
5. Assessing the environmental sustainability and climate change
mitigation potential of renewable energy, circular economy strategies,
and other technological innovations.
6. Looking into how AI can help us understand climate change better and
create useful solutions, while also considering the challenges and
suggestions for developing AI responsibly.
By focusing on these goals, we want to encourage a strong and flexible
understanding of how technology and climate change interact. We aim to
explain how these two areas connect and find practical ways to use
technological advancements. We seek to make sure that these approaches
are not only sustainable but also yield major positive outcomes for our
environment and society as a whole.
