Can AI solve the climate crisis? We ask ChattyG

You can’t blink at the moment without someone assailing you with all the ways in which AI is going to ‘change everything’, ‘transform that’ or ‘revolutionise this’ or ‘steal your job’ or ‘take over the world’, ‘wipe out humanity*’… that kind of thing.

(*like we need any help with that)

We’re being led to believe that AI can do everything better and quicker than us humans. From taking two seconds to provide a recipe for tofu brownies (surprisingly delicious), to creating a marketing strategy for an old dogs’ retirement home, to writing a touching love song about squirrels (you can read the squirrel love song at the end of this blog), ChatGPT, aka ChattyG, is endlessly knowledgeable.

So since humans are so profoundly screwing up the whole reversing global warming and creating equal societies thing, I wondered if ChattyG could solve the climate crisis for us? Chatty was a little reticent at first but then in nanoseconds rattled off a solution (spoiler alert, it’s a lot like B Corp), here’s what Chatty says:

“The climate crisis requires a multifaceted approach involving governments, industries, scientists, and individuals working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, protect and restore ecosystems, and develop sustainable practices. Some key actions that can help address the climate crisis include:

1. Transition to Renewable Energy: Moving away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
2. Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries can lead to reduced energy consumption and emissions.
3. Reforestation and Conservation: Protecting and restoring forests and other ecosystems can help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and preserve biodiversity.
4. Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can reduce emissions from livestock and land use changes.
5. Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, can provide economic incentives for reducing emissions.
6. Technological Innovation: Investing in research and development of clean technologies, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable transportation solutions can contribute to mitigating climate change.
7. International Cooperation: Global collaboration is essential to address the climate crisis, as climate change is a cross-border issue that requires coordinated efforts.
8. Education and Advocacy: Raising awareness about climate change and advocating for policy changes can drive public and political support for effective solutions.
9. Reducing Consumer Waste: Minimizing waste and adopting sustainable consumption practices can reduce the environmental impact of production and disposal.
10. Adaptation Strategies: Developing strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events, is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring resilience.

“Remember that addressing the climate crisis requires a collective effort, and solutions will vary based on regional contexts, socio-economic factors, and technological advancements. It’s important for individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to work together to make meaningful progress towards a sustainable future.”

Yep, couldn’t agree more on that last sentence, Chatty, it’s what the B Corp movement is all about.

Is it just me or does all that seem eminently sensible and straightforward? Those 10 actions are all we have to do and, bada boom, no climate crisis! No millions of climate refugees, no billions of animals, birds and insects dying from wildfires, floods, starvation or pollution, no unspeakable suffering. Easy peasy! It seems like a no brainer. I wonder why we aren’t just cracking on with it? I wonder if our politicians know about this list? Has anybody told them? I’ll drop an email to parliament…

Turns out, we know exactly how to get ourselves out of this mess, we’re just not taking the appropriate actions quickly and thoroughly enough. Why ever not? I guess that will be my next question for ChattyG, ‘why aren’t humans acting quickly enough to solve the climate crisis?’

Stay tuned for that post but in the meantime, here’s the squirrel love song (probably not gonna storm the charts, sorry ChattyG…)

 

 

(Verse 1) In a world of leaves and branches, where the trees stand tall, There’s a love story unfolding, a tale to enthrall. Two squirrels in the forest, their hearts in a whirl, In the dappled sunlight, they’re our squirrel lovebirds.

(Chorus) Oh, it’s a squirrel’s delight, under the moonlight, In this treetop romance, they’re taking flight. With their fluffy tails entwined, in the softest pines, This love story of squirrels, it forever shines.

(Verse 2) Through the canopy they chase, so nimble and spry, In their eyes, there’s a sparkle, a twinkle, a sigh. They gather acorns and dreams, under the azure sky, In this squirrel’s haven, love’s soaring high.

(Chorus) Oh, it’s a squirrel’s delight, under the moonlight, In this treetop romance, they’re taking flight. With their fluffy tails entwined, in the softest pines, This love story of squirrels, it forever shines.

(Bridge) They build a nest of dreams, where love’s song is heard, Among the rustling leaves, their hearts take flight like a bird. In each other’s embrace, they find their sweet reprieve, In this squirrel love song, they truly believe.

(Verse 3) Through all seasons they dance, in autumn’s golden hue, In winter’s cozy embrace, their love stays true. In spring, they find blossoms, in summer, the shade, This squirrel’s love story, in every way, is well-played.

(Chorus) Oh, it’s a squirrel’s delight, under the moonlight, In this treetop romance, they’re taking flight. With their fluffy tails entwined, in the softest pines, This love story of squirrels, it forever shines.

(Outro) So let’s raise a toast, to our squirrel friends above, In the heart of the forest, they’ve found a lasting love. In this woodland serenade, let’s all be inspired, By the love story of squirrels, forever admired.