In lots of industries, synthetic intelligence is being hailed at a recreation changer. However a latest survey of sustainability professionals exhibits enthusiasm for the potential of AI to assist in constructive sustainable outcomes isn’t precisely profitable.
Trellis knowledge companion GlobeScan, along side ERM and Volans, discovered sharp regional divides in attitudes towards AI and sustainability. Whereas 60 % of specialists within the Asia-Pacific area and 58 % in Latin America and the Caribbean imagine AI can positively affect sustainability over the subsequent 5 years, solely 48 % in Africa and the Center East, 41 % in Europe and 38 % in North America share that optimism.
In the same sample, sustainability specialists within the Asia-Pacific area (80 %) and Latin America and the Caribbean (72 %) additionally specific stronger enthusiasm for R&D and expertise innovation typically as a lever for sustainability. North American (68 %) and European specialists (68 %), whereas additionally very optimistic, really feel extra cautious about its potential to drive sustainability progress within the brief time period. Specialists primarily based in Africa and the Center East are even much less enthusiastic (64 %).
What this implies
Whereas AI is more and more acknowledged as a transformative enabler for sustainability, these findings counsel that its adoption and perceived worth are strongly formed by regional context and societal attitudes.
The Asia-Pacific area’s sturdy optimism could replicate a mixture of things, corresponding to a demonstrated urge for food for digital transformation in lots of fast-growing economies, nationwide methods targeted on AI growth (corresponding to these in China, Singapore and South Korea) and a excessive stage of private and non-private funding in tech-driven options.
The skepticism in North America (adopted by Europe) is particularly notable given the area’s position as a worldwide hub for AI growth. Regardless of main in innovation, many North American specialists stay cautious of AI’s sustainability affect, reflecting considerations round governance, privateness and environmental prices. This underscores the necessity for main AI and tech firms to assist construct a social contract that fosters belief, ensures accountability and aligns AI advances with broader societal expectations.
Based mostly on a survey of 844 sustainability practitioners throughout 72 international locations carried out April-Might 2025.
