AI plugs into climate change battle

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Is there anything AI can’t do?

Over the past year since ChatGPT exploded into the public consciousness, the technology has been a game-changer for all sorts of industries. Case in point: It’s being used to aid in humanity’s fight against the climate crisis.

However, as today’s Deep Read explores, there are trade-offs to consider when deploying artificial intelligence in that battle. Nothing is binary, not even AI.

— Peter

THE BIG STORIES

1️⃣ Malaysian startup collects profits from e-waste recycling

How many phones and laptops have you thrown away in your life? If you’re in your 30s or older like me, the answer is probably a lot.

Electronic waste is a growing problem in many communities around the world, and it only looks set to get worse. Startups like Malaysia’s Erth are trying to tackle that problem while also netting themselves a profit.

Photo credit: KPixMining / Shutterstock

2️⃣ Is Singapore’s ‘30 by 30’ food security goal too far-fetched?

Kanye West once sang: “Shoot for the stars so if you fall, you land on a cloud.”

The government officials who came up with Singapore’s 30 by 30 plan probably weren’t thinking of the Chi-Town rapper when they set the ambitious goal in 2019. But it’s an apt metaphor, as while the city-state likely won’t be able to locally produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030, it has made laudable progress.

DEEP READ

How AI could power the climate breakthrough the world needs

From helping farmers predict how they should plan out their crops with changing weather patterns to enabling researchers to better assess the global environmental situation, AI is being deployed in several ways to address the climate crisis.

Industry players see the technology as a “time and effectiveness multiplier to the solutions for climate change.” However, it is something of a double-edged sword.

While the amount of electricity currently used for AI systems is small compared to other sectors, if the tech takes off – as many think it will – the power requirements could exponentially increase. Experts say regulators need to strike a balance between using the tech’s power in fighting climate change and its possible negative environmental impact.

Image credit: Timmy Loen

TRENDING NEWS

Also check out Tech in Asia’s coverage of Asia’s greentech scene here.

1️⃣ Global warming on track for up to 2.9 C as greenhouse gases keep rising, UN says

Even if countries stick to their Paris Climate Agreement pledges, global temperatures look set to rise 2.9 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a UN report has found. The Paris deal set an ambitious goal of limiting this increase to 1.5 C, but the report says there’s only a 14% chance of the world achieving that.

Why it matters:

The Paris Agreement was hailed as a historic milestone in tackling climate change. Failing to achieve the targets could lead to far more erratic and dangerous weather conditions globally.

2️⃣ China’s transition to EVs is so fast that Volkswagen is on track for its worst local sales in years

Volkswagen will have its worst year for sales in China since 2012 thanks to the country’s rapid adoption of electric vehicles, according to CNBC’s analysis of public data. Nissan and Hyundai are also set for a poor sales year in the country.

Why it matters:

China is the world’s largest auto market, so the death of the internal combustion engine there would be a big win for the climate – and EV investors.

BYD Dolphin, a Chinese electric vehicle. / Photo credit: Sime Darby Motors

3️⃣ India plans to triple underground coal mining to meet energy demand

India is looking to revive its underground coal mining industry despite growing international pressure to phase out the use of fossil fuels. The country’s coal ministry plans to triple production from underground mines by 2028 and provide incentives for foreign investment in the industry.

Why it matters:

India is the world’s most populous country, the fastest-growing large economy, and the second-largest coal producer after China. A large boost to its coal mining output could greatly increase global emissions and encourage developing nations to follow suit.

4️⃣ US, China advance climate cooperation following California talks

The US and China have found some common ground on climate action ahead of COP28 in Dubai. Climate envoys John Kerry and Xie Zhenhua met in California in early November and agreed to revive a bilateral climate working group.

Why it matters:

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The world needs its two biggest economies to work with each other to tackle climate issues.

5️⃣ Climate change already reducing global GDP: report

A new report from the University of Delaware has found that climate change is already cutting billions from the global economy. According to the report, Southeast Asia and Southern Africa had been worst affected, with climate change accounting for the loss of 14.1% and 11.2% of these regions’ GDPs, respectively.

Why it matters:

This report is yet further evidence that while climate change affects the whole world, those in the poorest nations are most at threat.

STARTUP WATCH

1️⃣ SG analytics firm bags $5m to forecast financial impact of climate change

Singapore-based Climate Alpha has raised US$5 million in a seed funding round led by Jungle Ventures to boost its mission of helping the real estate, asset management, and insurance industries adapt to the impact of climate change. The firm focuses on AI-powered analytics and aims to “steer asset managers into resilient investments across public and private markets,” according to founder and CEO Parag Khanna.

2️⃣ Wize raises $16m to expand sustainable logistics in MENA

Dubai-based logistics startup Wize has raised US$16 million in pre-seed funding. The company provides various services for retail and delivery businesses, including e-bikes, a rental and subscription platform, a battery-as-a-service offering, and swapping stations.

3️⃣ Indonesia’s Volta to boost EV battery swap network with new funding

Indonesian EV firm Volta has received a funding boost thanks to a strategic investment in its parent company, Energi Selalu Baru, from Twin Towers Ventures and Rigel Capital. Volta sells electric two-wheelers and provides battery-swapping infrastructure in the country.

Photo credit: Volta

4️⃣ Avarni gets backing to help large enterprises hit their net-zero goals

Sydney-based startup Avarni has raised US$1.6 million in an extension round. The company helps other firms track their Scope 3 carbon emissions, which are typically more costly to calculate.

5️⃣ India’s EMotorad rides high with $20m investment for global e-bike push

EMotorad, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has raised US$20 million in a series B round led by Singapore’s Panthera Growth Partners. The startup began exclusively in India but now exports its products to over 18 countries.

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