AI Monthly: The Race to Net Zero

Dear AI Enthusiasts,?

As we approach COP28—the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference— I’ve got some interesting insights to share from a recent global executive survey conducted by BCG and CO2 AI, focusing on progress in emissions reductions.

The climate crisis continues to intensify, yet many companies are falling short on comprehensive emissions reductions. Getting into the numbers, the survey of 1,850 respondents across 18 industries and 23 countries revealed that only 10% of companies are comprehensively measuring their emissions, and?14% are actually reducing emissions in line with their goals. ?

But the fight is not over just yet. Partial measurement and reporting of Scope 3 emissions, for example, has increased by 19% since 2021, and there are companies who are making tremendous headway on decarbonization—Kl?ckner & CO , Reckitt , The Economist , and Schneider Electric to name a few. ?

Most of all, one thing is clear: climate success depends on CEO engagement. Companies collaborating across supply chains, calculating emissions at the product level, and harnessing digital tools are leading the way.??

It will take time to see how the landscape evolves so buckle up, because we’re in for a bumpy ride. There are challenges ahead but also models to follow on the journey to net zero.?

Until next time,?

Sylvain Duranton?

This Month's Top Reads ??:

How AI Can Speed Up Climate Action ?– Google and Boston Consulting Group?

A new BCG report commissioned by and co-authored with Google outlines how AI can substantially enhance climate-related mitigation, adaptation and resilience efforts.?

Schneider Electric’s Journey to a Generative AI Future – Boston Consulting Group ?

How best to start a generative AI transformation when the future is simultaneously so promising, unknown, and potentially risky? Schneider Electric and BCG partnered to make the most of this exciting opportunity.?

How AI Helps Combat Climate Change – United Nations News?

Ahead of COP28, check out this informative read from the United Nations on how AI is supporting several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including strengthening climate change adaptation and resilience through better weather data and early warning systems, increasing renewable energy, and building more sustainable and climate-resilient food systems. ?

Buildings with AI Brains Could Cut Carbon Emissions – Axios?

An AI startup called PassiveLogic has developed an autonomous building system using generative AI to optimize energy usage and reduce carbon emissions from heating, cooling and other building functions. Their system aims to cut energy costs by a third by managing buildings more efficiently than human energy managers alone.?

Tackling Climate Change with Machine Learning – MIT News?

AI can help address climate change, but there are still some key challenges to overcome. Climate Change AI’s Co-Founder Priya Donti highlights three key challenges to widespread adoption of machine learning for climate solutions. ?