How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming SDGs

Imagine a world where technology not only makes life easier but also helps tackle some of the biggest global challenges, like poverty, climate change, and inequality. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play. Today, AI is already making a huge impact on our efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals aimed at creating a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world by 2030.

But how exactly does AI contribute to these goals? And what might the future hold as AI continues to evolve? Let’s explore how AI is making a difference right now and what exciting possibilities lie ahead.

AI and Its Role in Achieving SDGs

Think of AI as a tool that can process massive amounts of data, find patterns we’d never notice, and even make predictions that help us act faster and smarter. This ability to dig deep into data means that AI can support many SDGs. Whether it’s in health, education, energy, or climate, AI can target complex problems and offer solutions that would be hard to achieve otherwise. And because AI is so adaptable, it can be applied to different regions and challenges, bringing benefits to communities all over the world.

Specific Contributions of AI to Current SDGs

AI is already making a difference in so many areas, so let’s dive into a few specific SDGs where it’s helping the most.

For SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, AI has become a powerful tool in healthcare.  AI can analyze medical images faster than the human eye, helping to catch diseases early and saving lives. It’s also being used in telemedicine, making healthcare accessible to people in remote areas. Imagine a doctor diagnosing a patient halfway across the world via an AI-powered platform — that’s the future of healthcare, and it’s happening now.

Today, many people can be seen wearing the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch’s ECG feature leverages AI to detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, alerting users to seek medical attention early. AI also plays a crucial role in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, with tools like Neurotrack. Furthermore, AI’s ability to predict protein structures has revolutionized drug discovery. This breakthrough accelerates scientists’ understanding of biological processes, speeding up the development of new treatments.

When it comes to SDG 4: Quality Education, AI is opening doors to education for people who never had access before. AI-driven learning tools adapt to each student’s needs, making education more personal and effective. Whether a student is in a big city or a rural village, AI can provide interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and even translate content into multiple languages. It’s like having a personal tutor for everyone, regardless of where they live or what language they speak.

According to Techreport, AI has helped 73% of students better understand learning material and has enabled 63% to study more efficiently.

Moving on to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, AI plays a big role in making energy systems smarter and greener. Can you forecast how much wind will blow and how much energy wind farm produce and also how much energy In many places, renewable energy sources like wind and solar can be unpredictable. This is one of the greatest challenges in advancing renewable energy development, even we use cutting-edge technologies. But, AI can analyze weather patterns to predict how much energy these sources will produce. For instance, Google’s DeepMind has developed AI models that enhance wind power predictions. This technology enables the company to optimize energy sales by determining the best times to sell based on forecasted output.

Future Expectations: AI’s Potential Evolution and Expanded Impact

So, what can we expect from AI in the coming years? Well, the possibilities are pretty exciting. As AI becomes even more advanced, we’ll likely see better predictions for everything from crop yields to water availability, which could be a game-changer for SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Imagine AI systems that can predict food shortages. If it is possible, the world can share food and save a lot of lives. Models like those from the FAO analyze economic data, global trade, and market trends to warn of potential price spikes that could indicate food scarcity.

AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) are combining to create a network of smart devices that can monitor and respond to real-time changes, fostering more sustainable and efficient urban environments. For example, smart cities can use AI-driven systems like SCATS and SCOOT to adjust traffic lights dynamically, reducing congestion and travel times by up to 20% by adapting to actual traffic conditions. Beyond traffic, IoT sensors connected to AI could help monitor air quality, noise levels, and other environmental factors, alerting communities to potential hazards. These AI-powered IoT systems directly support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on sustainable cities, by paving the way for healthier, more efficient urban living in the cities of the future.

It is also said that the AI education market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2022 And it is expected to grow to $88.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.3%. It is evident that the significance of AI in education and other fields will continue to increase.

What We Can Do for the Future

AI has the potential to be one of the most transformative tools in our efforts to achieve the SDGs, from enhancing healthcare and education to tackling climate change. But unfortunately, it doesn’t mean AI can solve all of the problems in the world. For instance, even with convenient tools, we still need reliable energy, and some daily activities still produce CO₂ emissions, for like cooking or showering. Therefore, along with AI innovation, we need broader changes and proactive steps toward sustainability.

Contributing to the SDGs requires diverse efforts. Whether through education, CO₂ reduction, or other initiatives, there are many ways to make a difference.

Have you heard of carbon credits? This is also one of the ways that you can take. So next time you think about AI or other technologies, consider how we can contribute to sustainable development!