In a recent interview with Sriram Raghavan, Vice President of IBM Research AI, he discussed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing major global challenges and developing the necessary talent for the future. Raghavan acknowledged the importance of leveraging AI to solve population-scale problems and highlighted the need for innovative approaches in fields like weather forecasting and extreme weather warnings.
To tackle the challenges posed by climate change, Raghavan revealed that IBM is actively collaborating with NASA to develop an AI foundation model. This model aims to enhance forecasting accuracy and improve the accessibility of climate data. By combining IBM’s AI expertise and NASA’s Earth science knowledge, the model offers unique advantages such as faster inferencing time and greater data diversity. Potential applications include identifying conditions favorable to wildfires or airplane turbulence and predicting meteorological phenomena.
When discussing the intersection of AI and Black Swan events, Raghavan acknowledged the risks associated with AI but emphasized its potential for preventing such events. He highlighted the importance of enhanced risk management, predictive capabilities, and real-time reporting in building trustworthy and resilient AI models. Raghavan also stressed the significance of information sharing and open innovation, which led to the recent launch of the AI Alliance by IBM and Meta, a collaboration aimed at promoting a transparent approach to AI innovation.
In terms of sustainability, Raghavan addressed concerns about the environmental impact of AI. He emphasized that sustainable AI is not a pipe dream, but a priority for businesses worldwide. IBM is actively implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in AI operations. This includes developing energy-aware algorithms, seeking out cleaner energy sources, and designing energy-efficient hardware solutions. Raghavan highlighted the dual benefits of sustainable operations, which not only align with societal goals but also serve as a crucial business imperative.
Turning to talent development, Raghavan stressed the importance of prioritizing AI education and training. IBM is actively collaborating with various stakeholders to bridge the AI skills gap and ensure equitable access to AI opportunities. Recognizing the predicted 40% increase in demand for AI specialists over the next five years, IBM has committed to training two million learners in AI by 2026. This initiative includes collaborations with universities and NGOs globally and the introduction of generative AI coursework through IBM SkillsBuild.
In conclusion, Sriram Raghavan’s insights shed light on the potential of AI in addressing climate change, managing risks, promoting sustainability, and developing AI talent. By leveraging AI responsibly and fostering collaboration, we can tackle global challenges and build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk