AI and the UN SDGs: An investors’ guide to driving sustainability

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in the tech community; it is becoming one of the most powerful tools we have.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword in the tech community, writes Jeremy Liddle of Sydney PR firm Third Hemisphere. It is becoming one of the most powerful tools we have to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 objectives designed to address global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030, provide a clear framework for shaping a better future.

As we seek solutions to these challenges, AI emerges as a game-changer across almost every sector, offering innovative ways to achieve the SDGs faster and more efficiently.

At Third Hemisphere, we see immense potential for businesses, governments, and investors to harness AI’s transformative power to create scalable, sustainable impact.

However, it’s important to understand that the road ahead is not just about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s about responsible, ethical AI development and the opportunities that lie in investing in technologies that will drive sustainable outcomes for our planet and its people.

I’ll be discussing these opportunities further at the upcoming UN Global Compact Network Australia event, UNiting Business LIVE Australia.

AI’s role in advancing the UN's SDGs

AI is already making significant inroads in areas like climate action, healthcare, energy and agriculture.

For example, in the fight against climate change (SDG 13), AI-driven models are being used to monitor CO2 emissions in real-time. Carbon Tracker, an AI platform, is leveraging satellite imagery to track power plants' emissions globally, enabling transparency in environmental reporting and helping nations meet their climate targets.

This kind of innovation has profound implications for sustainability-minded investors. Companies employing AI for climate monitoring and mitigation represent a new class of environmentally conscious businesses, poised to benefit from growing regulatory and consumer pressure for greener operations.

These are the businesses that will not only lead the charge against climate change but also deliver strong returns as industries are pushed toward lower-carbon models.

The energy sector (SDG 7) is another space where AI is revolutionising sustainability efforts. DeepMind, Google’s AI subsidiary, has successfully applied machine learning algorithms to optimise energy use in its data centres, reducing cooling energy by 40%.

The potential for AI to enhance grid efficiency and predict renewable energy generation means that as energy markets continue to evolve, those companies that integrate AI into their energy strategies will be better positioned for long-term growth.

Investors should pay close attention to clean energy solutions enhanced by AI, as they offer a double benefit—financial returns and social impact. This is a prime example of how sustainability can go hand in hand with financial returns.

Transforming agriculture and water management

In the agricultural sector (SDG 2), precision farming technologies, powered by AI, are reducing resource usage while maximising crop yields.

Blue River Technology, a subsidiary of John Deere, has developed AI-driven robots that can identify and manage weeds in real time. By reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides, this technology promotes more sustainable farming practices while maintaining high levels of productivity.

AI-driven solutions are also making waves in water management (SDG 6). Earth Observation AI tools are being used to track water levels, predict droughts, and monitor water quality.

In a world where water scarcity is a growing concern, AI innovations offer promising ways to improve the efficiency of water distribution systems and reduce wastage.

For investors, technologies in precision agriculture and water management represent crucial long-term bets, as global demand for food and water continues to rise.

Improving wealth and wellbeing

AI’s ability to revolutionise healthcare (SDG 3) is another exciting opportunity for investors. AI systems are already being used to diagnose diseases more accurately and at a faster rate than traditional methods.

For example, Google’s AI can detect diabetic retinopathy, a condition that leads to blindness, with a high degree of accuracy, even in regions with limited access to specialists.

AI also played a pivotal role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic by predicting outbreaks and optimising healthcare resource allocation.

The healthcare sector, with its combination of technological innovation and a human-centred mission, provides fertile ground for socially responsible investments that align financial returns with meaningful impact.

Building sustainable cities

AI’s contribution to sustainable cities (SDG 11) cannot be overstated. Cities such as Pittsburgh have deployed AI systems to optimise traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions.

The urbanisation trend, coupled with increasing environmental concerns, presents a unique opportunity for investors in smart city technologies.

Companies offering AI solutions for urban planning, waste management, and energy optimisation will play critical roles in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

The investor’s perspective: balancing profitability and impact

For investors, the rise of AI as a tool for sustainability is an opportunity to align portfolios with the SDGs while also capitalising on the profitability of cutting-edge technologies.

The intersection of AI and sustainability is a growing investment theme, and companies leading in this space are attracting significant interest from venture capital and private equity.

This trend is especially visible in sectors including energy, healthcare and agriculture, where AI-driven efficiencies can lead to both cost savings and environmental benefits.

However, it is essential for investors to remain vigilant about the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

Issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and unequal access to AI tools must be addressed if these technologies are to truly benefit society at large.

Companies that prioritise responsible AI development and uphold high ethical standards will be better positioned to succeed in the long term.

Investors also need to be aware of the regulatory landscape.

Governments are beginning to impose stricter rules around AI development, especially in areas like data security and environmental sustainability.

These regulations will likely favour companies that integrate AI in a responsible and transparent manner.

Looking ahead: AI at the heart of sustainable development

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that AI will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development across multiple sectors. The SDGs provide a clear framework, but it’s up to businesses, innovators, and investors to ensure these goals are met.

At UNiting Business LIVE Australia, hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Australia, I will be co-facilitating a panel on how we can harness the power of AI to drive sustainability outcomes.

I look forward to discussing how investors can leverage AI-driven technologies not just to achieve financial returns, but to play a part in creating a sustainable and equitable future.

The opportunities for impactful investments are vast, but they require a commitment to innovation, ethics, and long-term thinking.

AI can be a powerful force for good, but only if we ensure that it’s aligned with the principles of sustainability and inclusivity.

Jeremy Liddle is the Managing director of tech & finance Sydney PR agency Third Hemisphere.

The UN Global Compact Network Australia was a client of Third Hemisphere at the time of publishing.

The views, information, or opinions expressed in the interview in this article are solely those of the writer and do not represent the views of Stockhead.

Stockhead has not provided, endorsed or otherwise assumed responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article.

Originally published as AI and the UN SDGs: An investors’ guide to driving sustainability