AI for Good: Applications in Sustainability, Humanitarian Action, and Health

by Juan M. Lavista Ferres

In AI for Applications in Sustainability, Humanitarian Action, and Health, a team of veteran Microsoft AI researchers delivers an insightful and fascinating discussion of how one of the world's most recognizable software companies is tackling intractable social problems with the power of artificial intelligence (AI). In the book, you'll see real in-the-field examples of researchers using AI with replicable methods and reusable AI code to inspire your own uses.

The authors also

- Easy-to-follow, non-technical explanations of what AI is and how it works

- Examples of the use of AI for scientists working on mitigating climate change

- Real applications of AI in humanitarian action, whether in speeding disaster relief with more accurate data for first responders or in helping address populations that have experienced adversity with examples of how analytics is being used to promote inclusivity

- A deep focus on AI in healthcare where it is improving provider productivity and patient experience, reducing per-capita healthcare costs, and increasing care access, equity, and outcomes

- Discussions of the future of AI in the realm of social benefit organizations and efforts

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Artificial Intelligence, Technology

Audible Audio

Published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[PM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about AI. I realized too late that it wasn't meant for people unfamiliar with the field, but rather for those already involved with AI. Additionally, I didn't realize when I picked it up that the focus was mainly on projects being carried out exclusively by Microsoft.

The first and last couple of chapters were more in line with what I was expecting. The middle chapters were all case studies in different areas. While the book tries its best to be welcoming to people outside of this expertise, the case studies at times can be too technical with a lack of clarity on what specific terms mean.

Regardless, reading this book was valuable for me. I got a better idea of the potential applications of AI across different fields. The case studies mentioned focus on making processes more efficient, rather than replace people. I think the authors were very clear about the limitations of AI as we know it, and I really enjoyed their optimism about how this tool could be used for good to level some of the challenges we've been seeing over the years in terms of existing disparities.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good resource, but not necessarily the kind of thing to read cover to cover. The preliminary and concluding chapters were great, and then the bulk of the book was essentially a series of academic papers. VERY technical details were provided about the AI work done (in "Methods Used" and "Findings" sections), but each chapter also had standardized sections (Executive Summary, Why This Is Important, Discussion, What We Learned) that could be sampled independently and were actually usually quite interesting/helpful.

[Dimitri · Rating 2 out of 5]

📕 Why (Not) to read this book (Target Audience)

A book that illustrates the practical use of AI

⁉ Spoiler Alerts (Highlights)

The book explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges—climate change, humanitarian crises, and healthcare inequities. Written by Microsoft AI researchers, it blends real-world case studies with replicable methods and reusable AI code, showing how technology can be a force for social good.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important and, in some ways, inspirational book about how AI can positively impact the world and it is admirable that Microsoft are doing this. However, it read a little bit like an academic paper and since I listened to it on Audible, I lost much of the detail; so I would recommend reading rather than listening to it.

[Burak Ekim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that clearly demonstrates how AI can be used to create a positive impact!

[Dhaval · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[David Thrower · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as informative as I'd hoped. Mainly just a random assortment of case studies. Pretty boring read.