Artificial intelligence is a transformative force capable of solving planetary-scale problems – from transport emissions to wildfires and floods – if we pair research with real-world deployment, Yossi Matias (Google) argues in his captivating DLD Future Hub presentation.
“We firmly believe that technology, and specifically AI, has the potential to actually solve problems across all areas”, Matias says, “in a way that can lead to a better future for all of us, for people, for planet.”
Matias highlights the “magic cycle of research”, where curiosity drives scientists to identify problems, develop AI-powered solutions, and apply them for real-world impact. One example is Greenlight, a project that uses AI to increase the traffic flow in cities, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
“It turns out that by analyzing what’s going on in the intersection, using data which is already there, we can make recommendations of changes of schedule”, Matias explains. The impact can be big, resulting in “30% less events of stop-and-go, which translates into 10% reduction in carbon emissions.”
Similarly, AI models can optimize flight routes to minimize contrails, which significantly contribute to global warming – with the potential to “reduce 54% contrails with minimal changes to the routes”, Matias says.
Watch the video to learn how AI is proving critical in enhancing resilience to natural disasters; is accelerating scientific discovery itself; and much more.
