AI Has Potential to Tackle Climate Change Issues – Institution

The Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), a division under the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tackling climate change issues.

At the 2024 public lecture, award ceremony, and annual general meeting hosted by NIEE Oyo State chapter at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Olusola Ayoola, founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), discussed the application of AI in creating flood forecasting models.

Dr. Ayoola proposed diverse solutions to address the escalating challenges of climate change. These solutions encompass virtual reality, fostering smart and sustainable work-life balance through remote work, transitioning to paperless economies with electronic systems, implementing AI for flood prediction in smart and sustainable waste management, designing eco-friendly buildings, and advocating for renewable energy sources like solar and hydro power plants.

He said, “We all know that today the world is considering reducing greenhouse gases across all our activities. So every community must look inward to see what aspect of their activities can be improved on to reduce emissions.The NIEE organised this public lecture to tackle problems created by climate change and as well plan for the future.

“Climate change can lead to problems such as insecurity, where herders and farmers clash because of the dwindling resources in the atmosphere.”

Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the national chairman of NIEE, Nureni Ogunyemi, emphasized on the need to eliminate the use of non-degradable materials which pose environmental risks.

He lauded the Lagos State Government on the ban of styrofoams and single use plastics.

He said “In terms of a sustainable environment, let’s take an example from Lagos State, which a few weeks ago outlawed the use of single-use plastics and styrofoam. By doing this, the state hopes to protect its citizens from the hazards posed by non-degradable materials. This is a positive step forward.”

Ogunyemi encouraged the Oyo State chapter of the institution to collaborate with the State Government to pursue similar initiatives, aiming to attain a sustainable environment in Oyo State.

Additionally, Dr. AbdulWasiu Ajagbe, Chairman of the NIEE Oyo State Chapter, highlighted that the program’s theme revolves around utilizing AI to alleviate the consequences of climate change.

He said “NIEE has shed light on how AI applications might assist to mitigate the effects of climate change. As everyone is aware, there are problems with climate change on a global scale that negatively impacts every element of existence.

For this reason, artificial intelligence has become a useful tool in a variety of fields.”

He added that “We need to change our ways on how we relate with the environment, we need to take a look at how we use and dispose of solid waste in a way to create a sustainable environment.”

Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi