Tag: Artificial intelligence

By Paul Ejime

According to experts, human intelligence refers to the “intellectual capability of humans, marked by complex cognitive feats and high levels of motivation and self-awareness.” Since human intelligence is partly linked to the structure and genes of the human brain, it is also believed that intelligence could be “enhanced” using “genetic engineering,” a process sometimes called “biological uplift” in science fiction.

Indeed, genetic enhancement experiments on mice have demonstrated superior ability in learning and memory in various behavioural tasks.

This reflection is focused on artificial intelligence (AI), as a technological innovation, its advantages, drawbacks and limitations.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes AI, as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalise, or learn from experience.”

To Coursera, an institution that partners with more than 300 leading universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organisations worldwide, AI “is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognising speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns.”

A writer in a recent article identified AI as “an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

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The writer noted that although the term is commonly used to describe a range of technologies in use, “many disagree on whether these constitute artificial intelligence. Instead, some argue that much of the technology used in the real world today constitutes highly advanced machine learning that is simply a first step towards true artificial intelligence, or “general artificial intelligence” (GAI).”

There is, however, no disagreement on when and how AI gained traction.

In 1956, a small group of scientists gathered for the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, which was the birth of this field of research.

For context, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, it is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution and has since acquired national prominence as one of the most prestigious undergraduate colleges in America.

The 18 June to 17 August 1956 workshop in its premises is widely considered the event that launched AI as a research discipline.

AI is associated with the computer system, and it is instructive to note that since their development in the 1940s, digital computers have been programmed to carry out very complex tasks – such as discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess – with great proficiency.

However, despite continuing advances in computer processing speed and memory capacity, no programme has yet matched full human flexibility over wider domains or in carrying out tasks requiring everyday knowledge.

On the other hand, “some programmes have attained the performance levels of human experts and professionals in executing certain tasks, so AI, in its limited sense is found in applications as diverse as medical diagnosis, computer search engines, voice or handwriting recognition, and chatbots.”

It is, therefore, an unconscious human bias, to say that all but the simplest human behaviour is ascribed to intelligence, while even the most complicated behaviour of an insect is usually not taken as an indication of intelligence.

Similarly, AI like most computer-driven technology is pivotal to human development. Like all human inventions, technological advancement boasts multiple benefits, drawbacks and limitations.

It is all down to the human attitude or character. Instead of putting AI to good use, evil-minded humans are using the technology to harm others or themselves, and the environment, disrupting development, committing crimes and causing mayhem.

The same applies to the evolution of social media and the negative implications of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

In this special season, we should acknowledge AI and social media for what they are – part of technological advancement tools, to be leveraged for human development.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could not have said it more aptly: “Artificial Intelligence without human oversight would leave the world blind, and perhaps nowhere more perilously and recklessly than in global peace and security.”

In a post on his social media handle, LinkedIn, he said: “AI’s expansion into security systems raises fundamental concerns about human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.”

“Critically,” he said, “(the misuse or abuse of) AI is eroding the fundamental principle of human control over the use of force.”

“From intelligence-based assessments to target selection, algorithms have reportedly already been used in making life-and-death decisions.

“The integration of AI with nuclear weapons is particularly alarming with potentially disastrous consequences. We must avoid it at all costs,” the Secretary-General said, warning: “No country should design, develop, deploy or use military applications of AI in armed conflict that violate international law, humanitarian law and human rights.”

He, therefore, urged “members of the Security Council to lead by example and ensure that competition over emerging technologies does not destabilise international peace and security.”

To establish the limitations and/or proficiency of AI, this writer, using his Android mobile phone decided to engage AI in a virtual conversation recently, in Accra.

Two days after the Electoral Commission of Ghana had declared former President John Dramani Mahama as president-elect following the December 7 General Elections, I asked AI to tell me the president-elect of Ghana.

The response was interesting. AI said Nana Akufo-Addo was elected Ghana’s President in 2020. When reminded that John Mahama had been declared president-elect two days ago, AI acknowledged and thanked me for the information!

There is a tendency to exaggerate the power of AI. The risks are real. But instead of undue concerns or hysteria, humanity should innovate, adapt and prioritise the advantages and benefits of technological advancement such as AI and social media to transform the world, positively.

In teaching his disciples about God’s Kingdom in Matthew 13:24-48, Jesus Christ used the parable of the “man who planted good seed in his field…, (but) …that night, while everyone was asleep, the man’s enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat.”

The man’s servants told him about the development and their wish to uproot the weeds. But he counselled them to exercise patience until harvest time because, in their haste to uproot the weeds, the wheat could be destroyed also. At harvest time, the weeds would be gathered and set on fire and the wheat harvested as food for the people.

AI and social media are not bad by themselves. The problem is their misuse or abuse. They are a human creation, and instead of being hostage to their own creation, it behoves humanity to protect and not destroy itself with its creation.

With some rigour, it is possible to tell an AI-generated product from the work of a professional or misinformation/disinformation and fake news from the authentic.

God has given us freedom for our salvation. Let us preserve and make the world a better place, instead of abusing or misusing our innate freedom!

By Desmond Rowland Eteh

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the modern world. Its devastating effects are evident in rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and loss of biodiversity. Addressing these impacts requires innovative and scalable solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool in this fight.

As nations globally, including Nigeria, grapple with the realities of climate change, understanding how AI can mitigate its effects is crucial for policymakers and stakeholders. AI, the simulation of human intelligence in machines, is increasingly being harnessed to address the pressing issue of climate change. By analysing vast datasets, modelling complex systems, and optimising solutions, AI offers powerful tools for monitoring emissions, optimising energy use, and predicting climate patterns.

Countries like the United States, China, and the European Union are at the forefront of integrating AI into their climate strategies. The European Union, for example, has embraced AI to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges. The AI4EO initiative, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), leverages AI to analyse earth observation data for various environmental applications. Furthermore, the Horizon Europe programme funds numerous projects that utilise AI for environmental monitoring, climate modelling, and sustainable resource management. China, another global leader in AI adoption, is employing the technology for smart grid management and renewable energy forecasting. These initiatives underscore the growing global recognition of AI as a valuable tool for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

AI’s role in climate mitigation is multi-faceted. It enhances our ability to understand climate systems by processing enormous datasets that are otherwise unmanageable for human researchers. By using machine learning algorithms, scientists can better predict weather patterns, analyse sea level rise, and model the impact of policy changes. For example, IBM’s Green Horizon Project in China uses AI to forecast air pollution levels and recommend actionable solutions, helping cities reduce emissions and improve air quality.

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Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The country faces challenges such as desertification in the northern regions, flooding in coastal areas, and unpredictable patterns of rainfall that threaten agriculture. These climate-related issues exacerbate poverty, displacement, and food insecurity, necessitating immediate and long-term interventions.

AI holds immense potential to address these challenges in Nigeria. In agriculture, for instance, AI-driven platforms can provide farmers with real-time weather forecasts, pest control strategies, and advice on optimal planting schedules. Such tools not only enhance productivity but also help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions. A noteworthy example is the use of AI by precision agriculture firms in Kenya and Ghana, which has led to increased yields and resilience in the face of climate variability. Nigeria can adopt similar models to revolutionise its agricultural sector.

Moreover, AI can play a vital role in energy management. Nigeria’s energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. AI-driven technologies, such as smart grids and predictive maintenance systems can improve energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By learning from countries like India, where AI is used to optimise solar panel installations, Nigeria can accelerate its transition to a cleaner energy future.

One of AI’s most significant contributions to climate action is its ability to monitor environmental changes in real-time. Through satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies, AI can track deforestation, urban sprawl, and water body changes. For instance, Brazil uses AI to monitor illegal logging activities in the Amazon rainforest, providing actionable data to authorities. Nigeria, which faces similar deforestation issues, particularly in the Niger Delta and the Savannah belt, can adopt such technology to preserve its natural resources.

Additionally, AI can improve disaster preparedness and response. Flooding, a recurring issue in Nigeria often leads to the loss of lives and property. AI-powered systems can predict flood events by analysing weather data, river levels, and land use patterns. These predictions enable authorities to issue early warnings and implement evacuation plans. In the United States, for example, AI-based platforms have been used to predict and mitigate the impact of hurricanes, saving countless lives. Adopting such systems in Nigeria would significantly enhance disaster resilience.

Globally, the integration of AI into climate strategies is gaining momentum. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada are investing heavily in AI research and development to combat climate change. The UK’s Centre for AI and Climate aims to develop cutting-edge AI tools for emissions tracking and environmental conservation. Similarly, Canada’s use of AI in forest fire prediction has set a precedent for other nations to follow.

Furthermore, international organisations and private sector players are joining forces to leverage AI for climate action. Google’s AI for Social Good programme and Microsoft’s AI for Earth initiative are prime examples of how technology companies are contributing to sustainability efforts. These initiatives provide funding and technical support to projects that use AI for environmental monitoring, conservation, and renewable energy optimisation.

Despite its immense potential, the adoption of AI for climate mitigation in Nigeria and other developing nations faces significant challenges. High costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to data are major barriers. For instance, deploying AI systems requires advanced computing power, reliable internet connectivity, and skilled personnel, all of which are often scarce in low-income regions. Additionally, ethical concerns around data privacy and algorithmic biases must be addressed. AI systems rely on large datasets, raising questions about who controls the data and how it is used. Moreover, there is a risk that AI could exacerbate existing inequalities if not implemented inclusively. Ensuring that AI benefits all sectors of society, particularly marginalised communities, is essential for its success in combating climate change.

To harness the full potential of AI for climate mitigation, Nigeria must prioritise investment in technology and innovation. Policymakers should establish frameworks that encourage the adoption of AI in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, energy, and urban planning. Collaborating with international organisations and tech companies can also provide access to funding and expertise.

Education and capacity building are equally important. Training programmes in AI and data science can equip Nigerians with the skills needed to develop and implement AI solutions locally. Partnerships with universities and research institutions can foster innovation and ensure that AI applications are tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs.

Furthermore, integrating AI into national climate strategies requires a robust data ecosystem. Governments and private sector players should work together to collect and share data on weather patterns, land use, and emissions. Open data policies can facilitate research and innovation, enabling the development of AI models that address Nigeria’s unique climate challenges.

Artificial Intelligence offers transformative potential to combat climate change, both in Nigeria and globally. From optimising energy use and enhancing agricultural resilience to monitoring environmental changes and improving disaster management, AI provides a range of tools to mitigate climate impacts. However, realising this potential requires overcoming challenges such as high costs, limited infrastructure, and ethical concerns.

By investing in AI technologies, fostering partnerships, and building local capacity, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in climate innovation. As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of a warming planet, embracing AI-driven solutions will be critical to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

•Dr Eteh, data scientist, GIS analyst and environmentalist, writes from Port Harcourt.