Talking About Transitions: Can AI Help Battle Climate Change in Indian Cities?

Talking About Transitions feature critical conversations on systemic transitions at the interplay of technology, society and sustainability. Our Dialogue series provides a platform for thinking together about three major areas of change and challenge – urbanisation, climate change and digitalisation.

On Thursday, July 11th, 2024, at 5:30 pm(IST), we held a dialogue on “Can AI Help Battle Climate Change in Indian Cities?” to examine the intersection of AI, climate change and urban development in Indian cities.

Overview: Cities are responsible for nearly 44% of India’s carbon emissions. Cities are also extremely vulnerable to climate impacts including water stress, extreme heat, and natural disasters. As urbanisation accelerates, along with growing climate change challenges, cities across the globe are emerging as test-beds for AI applications, to make them more resilient , sustainable, and liveable. 

From predictive modelling to early warning systems, AI is being developed to enhance climate resilience and support low carbon transitions. Programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, and the National Digital Urban Mission (NUDM), are enabling wider integration of ‘smart’ technologies in several Indian cities. For example, Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore, Varanasi, Surat, Indore have implemented different AI use-cases for transportation, waste management, provision of citizen services, and urban governance. Yet the journey is complex, and the outcomes uneven.

The integration of AI in Indian cities presents both opportunities and challenges. While these technologies can provide innovative solutions to urban climate challenges, they also raise important questions about equitable access, privacy, data security, and disparate socio-economic impacts, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

You can watch the recording of the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEEzEnJrzX8&t=360s