New York City’s chief climate officer, Rohit Aggarwala, emphasized that while artificial intelligence (AI) could aid in addressing climate challenges, it should focus on improving government operations rather than just analyzing data.
Speaking at the Urban Tech Summit, Aggarwala highlighted the pressing issues facing the city, such as the high costs of retrofitting buildings under Local Law 97 and complex engineering challenges in renewable energy projects.
He pointed out that AI could be beneficial in enhancing project management and coordination, particularly in areas where government efforts are already underway but hindered by inefficiencies.
Elijah Hutchinson, executive director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, echoed the need for AI to support government functions, suggesting tools to evaluate the impacts of transportation infrastructure on travel times and monitor environmental quality.
However, Hutchinson cautioned that the environmental costs of AI, such as the heavy resource demands of data centers, must be considered. He stressed the importance of using AI responsibly to ensure it benefits rather than harms urban sustainability efforts.