Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability: An Overview

As businesses continue to recognize the pressing need for sustainable practices to reduce environmental and societal impacts, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal tool, promising transformative benefits for businesses aiming to achieve sustainability. While AI’s growth over the past seven decades has been profound, its recent applications in the business sector are particularly noteworthy. From automating tasks and optimizing operations to potentially revolutionizing supply chains, AI offers significant gains in efficiency and profitability. However, its potential does not come without challenges. The environmental costs associated with AI, especially the carbon footprint of training extensive models, are concerning. Furthermore, the socio-economic implications, including potential job displacements, demand attention. This edited volume bridges AI and sustainability, offering insights into both the sustainable applications and inherent challenges of AI in business contexts. Drawing from global experts across fields including data science and engineering, this collection delves into the synergies and conflicts between AI and sustainable business, providing a comprehensive yet concise overview for scholars and practitioners.