AI and Sustainable Development

This chapter investigates the intersection of Industry 5.0 technologies and sustainable development, addressing both theoretical foundations and practical implementations. This chapter focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development, discussing subthemes such as AI applications in smart cities, energy use and climate change; ethical AI and sustainability governance; and AI-driven strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rise of AI and its growing impact on numerous sectors demand an evaluation of its influence on achieving the SDGs. AI-based frameworks are poised to set new benchmarks for achieving the SDGs, necessitating a thorough analysis of AI’s influence on society and the environment. AI-driven solutions are already making strides in areas such as renewable energy, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring. However, integrating AI into sustainable development initiatives requires careful consideration of ethical implications, potential biases, and the digital divide, ensuring that the advantages of AI are evenly spread and do not worsen existing inequities. It is against this backdrop that this chapter deals with ethical Al issues and sustainability governance by focusing on Al applications in smart cities, energy use, and climate action. The chapter concludes by discussing Al-driven strategies for achieving the SDGs. The methodology applied for compiling information for this chapter was primarily qualitative, with literature review conducted through desktop survey and document analysis. Findings from the perused literature indicate that AI significantly contributes to sustainable development by enhancing organizational, technical, and processing capabilities; optimizing energy use, waste management, and healthcare; and facilitating sustainable business models, while also highlighting the need for ethical oversight and addressing challenges in data privacy, security, and algorithmic biases.