AI+Climate Futures in Asia

Climate change and AI are two of the most significant factors shaping the future of Asia. However, the interaction between these two transitions and their impact on other sectors must be better understood.

AI technologies can support more efficient and innovative resource use, forecast potential risks, and advance research and discovery. They can be useful for gathering information for large-scale analysis and improving operational efficiencies. Pursuing a green transition could also transform the digital sector through, for example, a switch to alternative energy sources.

But, these digital and green transitions could also negatively affect each other. AI production and use can increase energy consumption and resource extraction. AI-based recommender systems can nudge people toward better behavioural practices, but this can undermine individual agency and privacy. The use of AI also raises questions about data access and governance. Better-resourced nations may be better positioned to develop and leverage AI technologies, increasing inequity across countries.

Along with a network of leading experts from across Asia, we used foresight methodologies to examine the opportunities, challenges and risks at the intersection of AI and Climate Action. We looked at nine countries - India, China, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Japan - and three sectors - agriculture and food systems, power and energy transitions and disaster response and preparedness.

To read about our findings, visit the dedicated microsite for this project.