Artificial Intelligence, Biodiversity & Energy:
From a Resource-Intensive to a Symbiotic Tech

TIDE is proud to share the publication of Working Paper 90, co-authored by Amir Lebdioui, Angel Melguizo, and Victor Manuel Muńoz Rodriguez, exploring the intersection of AI, biodiversity, and energy, emphasising the need for a sustainable approach to tech developments.

Although AI holds enormous potential for economic growth, its resource-intensive nature – particularly its demand for energy and water – poses serious environmental challenges. This paper argues for a new approach: one where AI helps green itself, accelerates sustainability in industries and cities, and supports biodiversity rather than depleting it. 

Key insights from the paper include: 

• Biomimicry in AI: Leveraging natural designs to enhance chip design, computing efficiency, and data center cooling. 
• Energy Innovation: Using biodiversity as inspiration for sustainable and decentralised energy systems. 
• Policy Direction: Proposals for frameworks that support bio-innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and investment in renewable energy. 
• Global Leadership Opportunity: With its rich biodiversity access to critical minerals, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can lead the way in green AI innovation. 

Read the full Working Paper 90.