New whitepaper shows AI and cloud computing critical for environmental goals despite implementation barriers
A new whitepaper from Alibaba Cloud titled “Driving Sustainability with AI: A Guide to Partnering with Technology Service Providers” highlights a concerning disconnect between organizational sustainability commitments and actual implementation.
While 80% of surveyed organizations have established sustainability targets and 92% have committed to reducing emissions, merely one-third have adopted science-based net-zero goals. The Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024 underscores that businesses are struggling to transform commitments into measurable impact.
While 80% of surveyed organizations have established sustainability targets and 92% have committed to reducing emissions, merely one-third have adopted science-based net-zero goals. The Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024 underscores that businesses are struggling to transform commitments into measurable impact.
The research reveals that 76% of businesses recognize AI and cloud computing as vital sustainability enablers, though 82% emphasize these technologies must themselves be developed sustainably. Despite this recognition, significant obstacles persist: 59% lack clarity on technology’s role in sustainability, 53% still rely on manual measurement tools, and 61% worry about digital technologies’ energy consumption, particularly AI. Security concerns further complicate adoption, with 71% citing cybersecurity as a barrier and 69% concerned that digital risks might outweigh benefits.
To help organizations bridge this implementation gap, Alibaba Cloud’s whitepaper offers five strategic recommendations: aligning AI and cloud adoption with sustainability KPIs; selecting transparent tech providers with published energy metrics; integrating security into sustainability strategies; embracing open and trustworthy AI for innovation and efficiency; and advocating for stronger public-private collaboration on green digital infrastructure.
In today’s business landscape, sustainability has evolved from optional to imperative, with stakeholders across the spectrum demanding tangible, transparent environmental performance. Organizations must now partner with trusted technology providers who build sustainable solutions from the ground up to effectively transform sustainability ambitions into meaningful action.
The complete whitepaper is available for download here
