AI is transforming every aspect of our lives and society. It is young people who are at the forefront of developing innovative AI programmes and initiatives that are tackling the world’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. AI is increasingly becoming used as a central tool in tackling the climate emergency. From quantifying heat-loss in homes, to mapping methane emissions and monitoring natural resources, it is revolutionising the way we preserve our environment and its ecosystems [1]. Advancements in AI are also being deployed to tackle social harm and inequity. Using AI algorithms within healthcare systems is enabling the quick and cost-efficient diagnosis of traditionally underserved patients, and AI programmes are being deployed to detect and eliminate online hate.
Yet, as we know, AI’s expansion is not without environmental and societal risks. With AI-related infrastructure linked to greenhouse gas emissions and e-waste, and AI misused to spread misinformation and image-based abuse [2], young leaders are working to ensure that AI is used to tackle social and environmental issues, rather than exacerbate them.
Following the success of last year’s collaboration, The Brandtech Group is teaming up with One Young World again to offer the AI for Good Scholarship 2025. The scholarship will shine a light on five incredible young leaders who are promoting the socially and environmentally sustainable and responsible use of AI.