Social implications of AI

Social implications

AI is one of the tools to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by the United Nations (UN).

 

(source: freepik.com)

GOAL 1: No Poverty


AI will provide real-time resource allocation through satellite mapping and data analysis of poverty.


GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

Agriculture productivity is increased through predicative analysis from imaging with automated drones and from satellites. 

Nearly 50% of crops are lost through waste, over consumption and production inefficiencies. 
Livestock production losses are 78%.

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

Preventative healthcare programs and diagnostics are significantly improved through AI leading to new scientific breakthroughs. 

There are 8 billion mobile devices with smartphone cameras being used to diagnose heart, eye and blood disorders; microphone and motion sensors yielding insights into bone density and osteoporosis — and managing cancer, diabetes and chronic illness remote care.

GOAL 4: Quality Education

Virtualized, intelligent mentors and responsive personalized learning is revolutionizing education, and improving participation and outcomes — all powered by AI. 

Online providers have AI-produced granular information for effective learning. 

Big data analysis is improving graduation rates of low-income and first-generation college students by 30%, spotting warning signs before dropout to allow targeted interventions.

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

By identifying and correcting for gender bias, further automating/augmenting tasks, AI is empowering women for growth and new opportunities.

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) and sensors feeding into the AI of Everything are predicting sanitation and consumption patterns for improved safe water and sanitation provisioning.

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Green energy in all its forms is continuously improving for increased output and more efficiency by AI real-time analysis.

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Despite legitimate concerns about automation replacing jobs, AI augmentation and targeted automation with intelligent devices can improve the work environment, increase productivity, and be a significant driver of economic growth.

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

New hybrid manufacturing incorporating AI, IoT sensors, and 4D printing is reshaping industries, representing the ’A Triple C’, and yielding exponential innovation unprecedented in world history.

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

Human augmentation using AI-inspired devices both internally and externally provides super senses and knowledge, enhanced physical capabilities, and corrects disabilities yielding a more equal and inclusive society.

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The AI of Everything, the digital AI mesh, fed by the ubiquitous IoT, smart devices, and wearables, is already impacting smart cities and helping to create sustainable communities.

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

AI is yielding optimal consumption and production levels with vertical green farms, eliminating waste, and vastly improving yields and resource efficiency.

GOAL 13: Climate Action

Climate change data analysis and climate modeling infused with AI predicts climate-related problems and disasters.

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

Pattern recognition can track marine-life migration, population levels, and fishing activities to enhance sustainable marine ecosystems and combat illegal fishing.

GOAL 15: Life on Land

Pattern recognition, game theory, and wide applications of computer science can track land-animal migration, population levels, and hunting activities to enhance sustainable land ecosystems and combat illegal poaching.

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Thoughtful application of AI can reduce discrimination, corruption, and drive broad access to e-government, personalized, and responsive intelligent services. 

AI can significantly stay ahead of global cyberthreats, the Cyber Kill Chain, in a manner not possible before.

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Multi-sectoral collaboration is essential for the safe, ethical, and beneficial development of AI.

References

  • https://sdgs.un.org/goals 
  • AI for social good - How Artificial Intelligence can boost sustainable development, ITU News Magazine, 01/2017

Exercise

Select 3 of thee UN sustainable development goals and search  the Web for examples of how AI can contribute to them.
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