AcademyEX is a tertiary institution in Auckland that offers a myriad of programmes focused on cybersecurity, AI, and robotics. In the artificial intelligence course, which is provided under a “Master of Technological Futures”, one of the key focuses is sustainability.Â
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Experts like Professor Yun Sing Koh (University of Auckland) and Tracy McCartney (who is studying for a master's degree in technological futures) believe that artificial intelligence can be used to combat climate change. Tracy likes to think of AI’s potential in the sustainability sector as a superpower. There are a multitude of ways that AI can be used to cut down on our global footprint. For instance, it can develop materials that emit less carbon for aircraft or wind turbines. It can also improve the efficiency of our energy consumption by providing real-time analysis of how we use energy.
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Tracy’s key sustainability focus is also reducing waste from Aotearoa’s construction industry, and AI can be used to do so in a plethora of ways. For example, it can be used to design energy-efficient buildings or plan the use of construction materials so that there is little to no waste.
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Artificial intelligence is topical at the moment, with constant debates over whether it is beneficial or destructive to our world. However, institutions like AcademyEX are looking at AI through a beneficial lens, looking at how it can improve and sustain our environments for future generations.