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A recent study led by Professor Björn-Ola Linnér and Marie Francisco sheds light on how the EU, UN and World Economic Forum perceive AI. The research explores AI’s various applications and the accompanying potential risks and benefits.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can serve as a robust tool for swift and informed decision making. Its versatile uses span from monitoring weather patterns in real-time to predicting energy consumption and CO2 emissions. While AI offers solutions to challenges like disease outbreaks and climate shifts, it is crucial to consider potential downsides.
From the perspectives of the UN, EU and World Economic Forum, AI applications can be used to make more informed and quicker decisions. This includes real-time monitoring of weather and climate events, as well as predicting future energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Marie Francisco, lead author of the study at Linköping University and connected to Mistra Geopolitics
The study shows that the UN, EU and World Economic Forum favour a flexible attitude towards embracing innovation. AI stands out with its ability to enhance energy efficiency, especially within data centres and computing systems. This perspective finds strong support from the EU, while the World Economic Forum emphasizes certifications centred on AI’s designprinciples.
AI’s diverse applications include:
According to our study, the EU, UN and World Economic Forum see AI as a tool for sustainability and an object of governance. Ideas about how to use AI for sustainability governance and progress correlates to ecological modernization.
Björn-Ola Linnér, Professor at Linköping University and leading the Mistra Geopolitics programme at SEI.
Despite AI’s advancements in energy efficiency, EU documents voice concerns about possible hikes in energy consumption and resultant carbon emissions.
There is also growing sentiment about the absence of comprehensive AI regulations. This gap might hinder AI’s ethical development, particularly regarding data security and individual privacy.
Furthermore, unnoticed biases in AI systems could inadvertently lead to discrimination and social inequities.
The study emphasizes that collaboration should remain a cornerstone of AI’s responsible development. The amalgamation of insights from scientists, policymakers, businesses and the public is essential. This collective approach can foster knowledge exchange, minimize biases and ensure that AI’s benefits are accessible to all.
Furthermore, as AI emerges as a source of new employment opportunities, it is imperative to ensure broad participation, especially from women and girls. The researchers advocate for an enhanced emphasis on AI training and development initiatives, particularly in lower income countries, to underpin equality and social justice.
SEI Affiliated Researcher
Project / This project aims to critically examine how the dynamics of geopolitics, human security and global environmental change interrelate.
Feature / Henrik Carlsen, Fredrik Heintz and experts discuss artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the SDGs in this film produced by Mistra Geopolitics.
Feature / Mistra Geopolitics researchers emerged as pivotal voices in climate and security conversations in 2022, with their expertise cited in over 550 media articles.
Feature / We review the SDG Synergies tool and country examples to see how analysing synergies and trade-offs between the SDGs will support implementation of Agenda 2030.
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