Using AI & Data Science for Environment & Sustainability: Key Takeaways from the Workshop

I recently attended an insightful workshop on Data Science for Environment & Sustainability at FAST-NUCES Lahore, where the experts spoke of the revolutionary impact of AI in addressing environmental issues. The discussion focused on everything from sustainable governance options to AI-powered environmental monitoring.

Here are a few of the main lessons I learnt:

1. Understanding AI: Rational vs. Human-Like Intelligence

AI is not the imitation of man but the implementation of rational decision-making.

We discussed the difference between rational and human-like behaviour, highlighting how AI can improve decision-making with no emotional input from humans.

2. Explainable AI (XAI): Understanding Model Interpretability

One of the difficulties of AI is the "black box" aspect of its decisions. LIME and SHAP methods assist in making AI models interpretable, allowing us to comprehend why an AI system makes certain predictions.

3. AI in Environmental Monitoring & Sustainability

AI is revolutionising environmental conservation with applications such as:

• Water Quality Analysis: AI models identify contaminants and forecast patterns of contamination.
• Precision Forestry & Agriculture: AI-based platforms calculate carbon dioxide storage in trees and maximise resource optimisation.
• Fire Prediction & Prevention: Artificial intelligence-based fire hotspot satellite monitoring, visualisation of fire spread, and firefighter route planning are preventing wildfires.
• IoT-Based Environmental Monitoring: IoT sensors monitor air & water quality, energy use, and levels of toxic gases, giving real-time data to make sustainable decisions.

4. Major AI Milestones & Innovations

• DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT:?Discussed how DeepSeek outperformed ChatGPT in certain areas.
• MIT’s Mini Cheetah Robot: A 20-year-old breakthrough that made way for present-day AI-enabled robotics.

5. AI in ESG (Environment, Sustainability, Governance)

By optimising sustainability plans, enhancing regulatory compliance, and analysing data at unprecedented?speeds, artificial intelligence is revolutionising ESG activities.

The workshop emphasized the role of AI & Data Science in ushering in a sustainable tomorrow. AI is not automation; it's about enabling decision-makers with data-driven insights to save our planet.

I'd be interested in knowing what you think AI can do to help with sustainability. Let's talk!

Also, I got this certificate for attending this workshop.

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