September 2025
Addressing the “AI” in sustainability
As AI becomes more embedded in society, understanding how it intersects with sustainability has grown increasingly important.
Key takeaways
- There is a growing disconnect between AI's potential to advance sustainability and its implementation across various ecosystems. According to BofA Global Research, it has become increasingly important that AI innovation and application be environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and ethically governed.
- According to BofA Global Research, AI could offer solutions for a broad range of global challenges. For example, AI, which has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to five times the amount it generates, also has the power to unlock access to education, health and food as well as deliver on long-term sustainability goals.
- Despite its potential, Al introduces a range of risks if not properly managed. Concerns include data privacy violations, algorithmic bias, environmental impacts from energy-intensive Al models, and the reinforcement of social inequalities.
Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
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