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The Ugly Fight: Unleashing Artificial Intelligence Against Global Warming
"Software engineer Amblee (The Audacity of Futurism, 2016) covers a lot of ground in this brief survey. Amblee is at his best when summarizing complex technologies in plain, conversational language, and he presents clear examples of emerging uses for AI. A software engineer argues that only artificial intelligence, led by big data, can overcome the complexities of climate change and create a sustainable green economy."
-Kirkus_Review
"The book posits that such computer automation via AI will take over many commonly held jobs and careers in the course of climate mitigation, and that housing, food, and health care will need to be made affordable under a universal basic income (UBI)."
-Foreword Clarion Review
"Overall, readers will put down the book feeling that they have learned quite a bit about the world around them, and how it might change in the near and far future."
-BlueInk Review
-Kirkus_Review
"The book posits that such computer automation via AI will take over many commonly held jobs and careers in the course of climate mitigation, and that housing, food, and health care will need to be made affordable under a universal basic income (UBI)."
-Foreword Clarion Review
"Overall, readers will put down the book feeling that they have learned quite a bit about the world around them, and how it might change in the near and far future."
-BlueInk Review
182 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2018
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71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 24, 2018
The author provided a thoughtfully scripted guided tour through the world of artificial intelligence (AI). The primary focus of the storyline centered on the potential role that AI could play in global warming. There were many intriguing life-changing scenarios to choose from.
AI is most definitely here to stay. For many of us, it's become a part of our daily lives. Since the inception of the internet revolution, it has become a mainstay of society. Most certainly, its proliferation around the world has grown exponentially.
Planet Earth will survive the effects of global warming. On the other hand, the human race may not. As demonstrated in the narrative, some solutions to solving or even just slowing a global warming epidemic are far-reaching; nevertheless, they remain on the horizon. It's only a matter of time until we embrace the technology that will reverse the trend. We can only hope. Our future depends upon it.
I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Independent Gloture/Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members Titles for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
AI is most definitely here to stay. For many of us, it's become a part of our daily lives. Since the inception of the internet revolution, it has become a mainstay of society. Most certainly, its proliferation around the world has grown exponentially.
Planet Earth will survive the effects of global warming. On the other hand, the human race may not. As demonstrated in the narrative, some solutions to solving or even just slowing a global warming epidemic are far-reaching; nevertheless, they remain on the horizon. It's only a matter of time until we embrace the technology that will reverse the trend. We can only hope. Our future depends upon it.
I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Independent Gloture/Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members Titles for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 28, 2019
We may be running out of time to reduce or prevent catastrophic climate change. This short book looks at how we may use AI to help us make decisions, project outcomes, recommend paths.
The first part looks at what AI is, how Big Data uses data from the IOT and RFIDs as well as everyone's shopping habits. AI though can also use posts and photos on social media and every book or research study scanned.
The second part looks at how the globe is warming in self-feeding cycles; bare or flooded ground can't absorb carbon for us. Should have been a mention of polar and glacier ice, and dirty snow.
Green Horizon from IBM analyses environmental data and projects scenarios.
Microsoft is putting $50 million into climate research.
NSF (and NASA, not mentioned) are studying clouds, storms and atmospherics from space.
AI works by repetition over many iterations and gaining a better path or closer result each time. This is a learning game, but computers can learn very fast.
Geoengineering is looked at briefly, an outline of some strategies.
Carbon capture; Quest, a venture between Shell, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and NRG Energy, captures and stores a million tons of CO2 underground each year. However they produce far more as society releases 35 billion tons a year. (American measures given.) But these traps may leak into the air or water table at some future point.
Capturing or splitting or using carbon is described one project at a time, in a few lines.
AI is potentially a great partner in picking where to plant which species of tree, analysing rainfall, soil moisture, other conditions before sending drones to spit out pelleted seeds on mountainsides much faster than people could do the work. Not mentioned is that climate change means some species can no longer thrive where they did, so new species will have to be migrated to fill the niche.
Ocean fertilisation could be done but who will pay, given (my thought) no company or government seems keen even to pay to pick out plastic. AI can help analyse the mountain of ocean data.
We need to switch from fossil fuels and capture the carbon at the same time and AI may help us make decisions about solar power. A California firm is using robots to build and clean solar panel farms. AI could also program robots in assembling plants and deliveries. The author calls this Industry 4.0. We also get a brisk look at wind power.
The author mentions mining the asteroids, saying if we get robots to do it that will cost less.
Then back to AI, how computers are closing stores, pushing people out of work. 3-D printing of houses and a basic income are mentioned. Next the self-driving car and hyperloop. The reason to include this is that an electric car has a CO2 output mainly at the power plant, not on the road, to the CO2 can be emitted from a cleaner fuel, captured, or removed through green energy.
AI is now being used to identify and pick fruit on farms. To spot disease from aerial photos, to apportion pesticide and water. Not mentioned, mechanised farming is killing off ground nesting birds.
Then AI in healthcare; unlike bringing out a consumer product which recoups costs quickly the health service is slow, winding, layered, needs approvals, applies individually. AI can improve diagnostic accuracy and filing, maybe even surgery. Big Data will play a part. The author warns "The built in AI systems will decide what is best for us" about a restaurant menu. I am not sure if he knows that is scary. Not to mention, people may not like Brussels Sprouts every day.
In summary the author returns to climate change and suggests the IPCC would be best to build and run an AI to find solutions. He warns and strongly recommends that we all learn more digital skills and prepare for an updated future - adapt.
References P110 - 113 in my e-ARC. I counted three names that I could be sure were female.
An index follows with smart lookup; click on 'robot ant tunnelling' and it takes you to the page.
This book is a brisk overview which will be good as a reference to the current state of play on these topics. However it is far from complete and should be viewed as a jumping off point to explore. I am pleased that the author has linked AI and climate change thus making it likely that two fields of study will have readers learning from the topics and combining skills.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The first part looks at what AI is, how Big Data uses data from the IOT and RFIDs as well as everyone's shopping habits. AI though can also use posts and photos on social media and every book or research study scanned.
The second part looks at how the globe is warming in self-feeding cycles; bare or flooded ground can't absorb carbon for us. Should have been a mention of polar and glacier ice, and dirty snow.
Green Horizon from IBM analyses environmental data and projects scenarios.
Microsoft is putting $50 million into climate research.
NSF (and NASA, not mentioned) are studying clouds, storms and atmospherics from space.
AI works by repetition over many iterations and gaining a better path or closer result each time. This is a learning game, but computers can learn very fast.
Geoengineering is looked at briefly, an outline of some strategies.
Carbon capture; Quest, a venture between Shell, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and NRG Energy, captures and stores a million tons of CO2 underground each year. However they produce far more as society releases 35 billion tons a year. (American measures given.) But these traps may leak into the air or water table at some future point.
Capturing or splitting or using carbon is described one project at a time, in a few lines.
AI is potentially a great partner in picking where to plant which species of tree, analysing rainfall, soil moisture, other conditions before sending drones to spit out pelleted seeds on mountainsides much faster than people could do the work. Not mentioned is that climate change means some species can no longer thrive where they did, so new species will have to be migrated to fill the niche.
Ocean fertilisation could be done but who will pay, given (my thought) no company or government seems keen even to pay to pick out plastic. AI can help analyse the mountain of ocean data.
We need to switch from fossil fuels and capture the carbon at the same time and AI may help us make decisions about solar power. A California firm is using robots to build and clean solar panel farms. AI could also program robots in assembling plants and deliveries. The author calls this Industry 4.0. We also get a brisk look at wind power.
The author mentions mining the asteroids, saying if we get robots to do it that will cost less.
Then back to AI, how computers are closing stores, pushing people out of work. 3-D printing of houses and a basic income are mentioned. Next the self-driving car and hyperloop. The reason to include this is that an electric car has a CO2 output mainly at the power plant, not on the road, to the CO2 can be emitted from a cleaner fuel, captured, or removed through green energy.
AI is now being used to identify and pick fruit on farms. To spot disease from aerial photos, to apportion pesticide and water. Not mentioned, mechanised farming is killing off ground nesting birds.
Then AI in healthcare; unlike bringing out a consumer product which recoups costs quickly the health service is slow, winding, layered, needs approvals, applies individually. AI can improve diagnostic accuracy and filing, maybe even surgery. Big Data will play a part. The author warns "The built in AI systems will decide what is best for us" about a restaurant menu. I am not sure if he knows that is scary. Not to mention, people may not like Brussels Sprouts every day.
In summary the author returns to climate change and suggests the IPCC would be best to build and run an AI to find solutions. He warns and strongly recommends that we all learn more digital skills and prepare for an updated future - adapt.
References P110 - 113 in my e-ARC. I counted three names that I could be sure were female.
An index follows with smart lookup; click on 'robot ant tunnelling' and it takes you to the page.
This book is a brisk overview which will be good as a reference to the current state of play on these topics. However it is far from complete and should be viewed as a jumping off point to explore. I am pleased that the author has linked AI and climate change thus making it likely that two fields of study will have readers learning from the topics and combining skills.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
December 1, 2018
At the moment the biggest current threat to our world and society as we know it is without a doubt global warming. The effects of it become more and more noticeable as each year passes and I can’t help but become increasingly worried about what the world will look like in 50 years.
But with the progression of technology that has been happening at a exponential rate surely we can make something to stop this detriment to our planet from continuing.
This question is tackled fantastically in this book as the author explains clearly what technology, especially AI, can do for us.
He also covers what problems might come up from using this AI, but how these aren’t necessary problems but have solutions to them.
A very clear, concise and well written overview of an incredibly important topic.
If everyone read this book the course of our planet would undoubtably change dramatically.
But with the progression of technology that has been happening at a exponential rate surely we can make something to stop this detriment to our planet from continuing.
This question is tackled fantastically in this book as the author explains clearly what technology, especially AI, can do for us.
He also covers what problems might come up from using this AI, but how these aren’t necessary problems but have solutions to them.
A very clear, concise and well written overview of an incredibly important topic.
If everyone read this book the course of our planet would undoubtably change dramatically.
December 10, 2018
Author R Amblee looks into the intense climate change problems that plague our world. While learning about them can be daunting and overwhelming, Amblee has come up with practical and interesting solutions as to how we can help to fight against climate change with the help of artificial intelligence. Amblee believes by using it, we can drastically reduce our carbon footprint and work to help not only protect current places under threat, but help to revive those that are practically destroyed. Amblee also shows how by using artificial intelligence in this fight, we can also help to give jobs to those who are unemployed.
At 115 pages, you’ll need to invest a little bit of time into this book. However, it’s well-worth reading thanks to Amblee’s engaging writing style and unique perspective and ideas. If you’re interested in climate change, technology, and artificial intelligence, you’ll definitely want to check out this book.
At 115 pages, you’ll need to invest a little bit of time into this book. However, it’s well-worth reading thanks to Amblee’s engaging writing style and unique perspective and ideas. If you’re interested in climate change, technology, and artificial intelligence, you’ll definitely want to check out this book.
December 11, 2018
Using Artificial Intelligence or AI to combat Climate change may seem like a novel idea, primarily because most people don’t realize how extensive the AI technology is already and how it can be implemented to our benefit. I found the book to be very interesting and encouraging that we might actually have some solutions to some problems if our politicians can get out of their own way and start working on this before it’s too late. Some of the facts presented are worrisome and may make you paranoid about our place in space and time (as my prof likes to say), but there are things we can do to mitigate the damage. One thing that I wanted to point out is the ease of understanding the information that is in this book. The author did a excellent job in taking somewhat complex and difficult information and presenting it in a way that I could easily understand it. Well done and kudos!
December 5, 2018
I am very impressed by this book and blown away with the loads of information and research. I really liked the conversational tone of this book that conveyed complex information in a very easy to understand manner that then allowed you to think and come up with a few ideas of your own. I think more persons need to read “The Ugly Fight” to inform themselves and to start practicing better life skills and to question and demand more from our organizations and governments. We all are in this together.
January 16, 2019
Amblee approaches global warming and artificial intelligence as an engineer and as a futurist. He understands the technologies, and he sees where they can go in the future. He writes about global warming and the problems of carbon reduction and removal, then explains the major solutions that are being explored and analyzes their probabilities and their drawbacks.
In the later part of the book, Amblee discusses the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, acknowledging that jobs will be lost, but suggesting that many new opportunities will be created.
In the later part of the book, Amblee discusses the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence, acknowledging that jobs will be lost, but suggesting that many new opportunities will be created.
April 5, 2020
This book attempts to explore the use of AI in our fight against climate change. The conversational tone adopted throughout makes reading this book an enjoyable one. However, the title is misleading as the AI discussed in this book is secondary if not insignificant to the underlying technological solutions being highlighted. This book leads readers to ultimately wonder if AI can truly be a game-changer - a far cry from the supposed intention of this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews