In conversations about conservation and technology, statements like "The world doesn’t need AI, the world needs water" often gain traction. While they may resonate emotionally, they present a dangerous false equivalence. This line of thinking suggests that innovation is somehow at odds with solving fundamental environmental problems, when in reality, innovation is one of our most powerful tools for creating a sustainable future.
Throughout my training as a scientist, I have often felt like my career has been put at odds with large sections of society. Which pains me, I really deeply care about the planet, I mean come on, it's our home, but this idea that you cannot make money or be successful and care about the planet at the same time is completely backwards. I understand there are places where these goals are at odds, but if all we do is focus on these, we are going to spend all our time spinning our wheels.
Back to these ideas that we can either have technology or natural resources. They imply we must choose between basic human needs and innovation—when, in reality, technology is critical to meeting those needs sustainably. We are not going to be able to address climate change, carbon sequestration, access to fresh water and food, safe building and living conditions, all of these are going to require technical innovation, and in a lot of cases, we will not be able to accomplish this without the help of AI.
AI is already being deployed in medicine with great success in the areas of drug discovery and patient care, as well as more obvious areas like hospital management. In addition to medicine, AI and other technologies are already making an impact by optimizing water use by predicting droughts, optimizing irrigation, and monitoring water quality. In addition to helping desalination plants become more energy-efficient with AI-driven designs, turning seawater into a viable source of drinking water for millions.
The question isn’t whether we need innovation or water—it’s how we use innovation to ensure access to water, food, and energy. Framing environmentalists as anti-innovation only slows progress and obscures the true enemy: unsustainable practices. And environmentalists being staunchly anti-innovation and anti-progress only makes progress without environmentalists. Which benefits no one in the long run. False choices don’t save the planet—innovation does
Every new technology comes with a choice: Will we use it to advance sustainability, or will we ignore its potential to solve environmental problems? Decades ago, critics questioned the viability of solar power due to its high production costs and inefficiency. Today, thanks to ongoing innovation, solar energy is one of the most affordable and accessible renewable energy sources worldwide. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were initially met with widespread resistance. However, they’ve become a critical tool in reducing pesticide use, conserving water, and increasing crop yields to feed a growing global population. Instead of fighting new technologies, environmentalists must lead the charge in making them eco-friendly from the start. This proactive approach can shape innovation to align with sustainability goals rather than reacting after the damage is done.
Environmentalists have a vital role to play—not as critics standing on the sidelines, but as collaborators driving progress. By actively engaging with innovators, conservationists can shape technologies to protect ecosystems and benefit communities worldwide.
How Collaboration Can Drive Progress:
Early Engagement: Environmentalists can influence the design of technologies, ensuring sustainability is a core consideration. For example, conservation scientists have collaborated with AI developers to create tools for real-time monitoring of illegal logging and deforestation hotspots.
Shaping Policy: Advocacy groups can push for incentives that reward sustainable innovation, such as tax breaks for companies developing biodegradable materials or investing in clean energy.
Highlighting Success Stories: Conservationists working with engineers have developed groundbreaking solutions like biodegradable plastics made from agricultural waste and drones used to reforest degraded landscapes by planting seeds.
By stepping into the role of trailblazers, environmentalists can challenge the outdated “naysayer” stereotype and demonstrate that conservation and innovation are natural allies.
A Call to Action: Lead the Charge
The future of business depends on collaboration between environmentalists, scientists, and innovators. Every new technology offers an opportunity to redefine operational practices, optimize resources, and unlock market potential while safeguarding the planet. Environmentalists must stop viewing every new innovation as the end of the planet, and businesses must stop viewing conservation as an unnecessary expense.
Sustainability and innovation aren’t just compatible—they’re essential to thriving in a competitive global economy. By leading the charge on eco-friendly advancements, businesses can align their growth with environmental stewardship, creating shared value for humanity and the planet. Together, we can build a future where technological progress drives both profitability and planetary health.