Artificial intelligence (AI) could be humanity's secret weapon in achieving global sustainability goals—or a double-edged sword if mismanaged, experts warn. Gong Ke, Executive Director of the Chinese Institute of New Generation AI Development Strategies, recently spotlighted this tension during a CGTN special program, Embrace the AI Era.
🌐 The Good: AI is already supercharging green innovation. In Shenzhen, AI slashed battery testing costs by 40%, saving energy and resources. China is also pushing a "digital and green dual transformation" to curb AI's carbon footprint through renewables and efficiency upgrades.
⚠️ The Challenge: Gong warned that unchecked AI growth could widen the digital divide and strain ecosystems. "We can't let tech progress leave people behind," he emphasized, pointing to China's UN-backed initiatives to boost AI infrastructure and talent in Africa.
🔮 The Road Ahead: With the 2030 SDG deadline looming, balancing innovation with equity remains critical. As Gong put it: "AI isn't just code—it's a tool for shared human futures."
