Well, curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to see what AI is capable of and it is pretty mind-blowing. It’s scary because I feel like pandora’s box has been opened, but it was fun to ask a few questions. I asked ChatGPT, “How do we achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, and here is its response:
“Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions involves reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the extent possible and then offsetting any remaining emissions through activities that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Here are some steps that can help in achieving net-zero emissions:
Reduce emissions: The first step is to reduce GHG emissions as much as possible by implementing energy efficiency measures, adopting renewable energy sources, reducing transportation-related emissions, and improving industrial processes. This involves both individual actions, such as reducing personal energy consumption and transportation, as well as collective actions, such as investing in renewable energy infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry.
Carbon capture and storage: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants or industrial processes and storing them underground, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere. CCS technology is still in its early stages and needs further development, but it has the potential to reduce emissions significantly.
Use of carbon offsets: Carbon offsets involve investing in projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. Carbon offsets can be used to offset the remaining emissions after reducing emissions and implementing CCS.
Carbon pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, can help to create incentives for reducing emissions and investing in low-carbon technologies and practices.
Innovation and research: Continued investment in research and development of new technologies and practices is necessary to accelerate the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. This includes developing new low-carbon transportation technologies, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy sources, and improving energy storage and CCS technologies.
Achieving net-zero emissions will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals, and will require sustained action over the long term.”
My Take:
While it was fun to toy around in ChatGPT, I don’t believe AI got this totally right. Basically, AI focuses very much on technology and not so much on the power and resiliency of nature. Here’s my take:
Should we reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Of course.
Should we rely on CCS? I don’t think so. CCS is far from being viable and in my opinion, we would be much better off restoring nature and our own hearts to lead with love. What I mean by this is, if we don’t love our planet and all living things on it, will a technology save us? The short answer is no.
Should we purchase carbon offsets? I think that we should as there are additional benefits to communities and biodiversity when we plant trees, mangroves, etc. through carbon offset projects, but they must be credible offsets. However, I don’t agree that AI puts technology over nature once again.
Should we enact carbon pricing? I think that would be helpful and if it helps to reduce emissions, then let’s do it! But here again, AI is saying to use that money to invest in low-carbon technologies, which I don’t completely disagree with, but wouldn’t it be worth considering putting that money towards more public land to be managed effectively, which would naturally sequester carbon, improve biodiversity and create jobs?
According to a recent report from the World Wildlife Fund, there has been a 69% average decline in wildlife populations since 1970! We are a part of nature, not separate, and in our quest for domination over nature, we are killing ourselves in the process. Artificial Intelligence doesn’t have a heart and is incapable of love, so will always be biased towards technological solutions, which concerns me deeply. In conclusion, I am sure that Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, but it is vital that we lead with our hearts.