Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the promise of tackling long-term global sustainability issues and driving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, according to a report by MUFG, Japan’s largest lender.
MUFG suggests that AI can overcome the limitations of traditional ESG ratings, enhance climate change modeling, and foster social responsibility by promoting inclusivity and fairness.
ESG integration involves assessing environmental, social, and governance risks alongside financial metrics to enhance investment returns.
Hironori Kamezawa, President and CEO of MUFG, envisions AI as a new dimension of digital transformation, where machines are guided by well-thought-out precepts, potentially leading to deeper human insights.
Global AI investments are projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, impacting GDP significantly, as per Goldman Sachs.
Generative AI, particularly promising, could boost labor productivity by over 1% annually following widespread adoption, according to the bank.
MUFG highlights AI’s potential to optimize energy storage utilization, predict renewable energy fluctuations, enhance manufacturing efficiency through better supply chain visibility, and inventory management.
However, AI’s rapid adoption raises concerns about energy consumption, job displacement, and governance challenges such as copyright violation and exposure of confidential information.
Gartner, a US research firm, views generative AI as overhyped, placing it in the “inflated expectations” stage for emerging technologies.
While ESG indices have potential sustainability impact, most currently lack meaningful impact on climate change, according to a study by Germany’s Bundesbank and Geothe University.
MUFG predicts that the ESG journey will move from measurement to refinement, aided by the explosive growth of AI tools.
AI can support 134 out of 169 UN Sustainable Development Goals, as per a 2020 study, while also inhibiting certain targets.
The report calls for appropriate legislation to guide AI’s potential towards achieving the highest benefits for individuals, the environment, and the UN SDGs.
AI’s potential to shape sustainable outcomes is evident, but regulatory insight and sound policy formulation are necessary to harness this potential effectively.AI’s Potential to Address ESG Challenges and Sustainable GoalsAI’s Potential to Address ESG Challenges and Sustainable Goals
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