After a little break the Dear Forests podcast is back with a new episode on the impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Technology on Deforestation. Together with Keng, we discuss how long AI has really been in our world; its capacity for both good and bad for forests; the impact of technology (hardware) on forests and the people that rely on them; and how we can move into living harmoniously with forests, people and the technological advancements made thus far.

Some good-to-know definitions:

Algorithm — A detailed instruction manual that tells a computer or a person what steps to take to solve a problem or complete a task. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) — The simulation of human intelligence in machines to make them appear and act in human ways.

Machine Learning — A type of Artificial Intelligence that uses algorithms trained on data sets to create self-learning models capable of predicting outcomes and classifying information without human intervention.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) — A type of Artificial Intelligence that combines machine learning, linguistics, and text analysis to allow computers to process and analyze text data and translate it.

Computer Model — The framework of a plan or design which is created on a computer to discover how to make or improve a product.

Computer Vision — A type of artificial intelligence (AI) that applies machine learning to images and videos to understand media and make decisions about them.

Computing Power — A measure of the computing resources available to perform specific tasks.

Data Centre — A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.

Rare Earth — Minerals that contain the 17 rare earth elements and have diverse applications in electronic components, lasers, glass, magnetic materials, and industrial processes. The term "rare-earth" is a misnomer because they are not actually scarce, but historically it took a long time to isolate these elements.

Moratorium — A temporary suspension of an activity or law until future consideration warrants lifting the suspension. 

We also discussed the Deep Blue programme; Google deep mind (AlphaGo game); Amazon mining watch; Gold mining in the Amazon forests; microphones in Malaysia's forests; measuring the environmental impact of AI; data centres; and Fairphone.

Kuek Ser Kuang Keng is the data editor at the Pulitzer Center, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that supports independent journalists globally. He supports and mentors three fellowships investigating issues related to tropical rainforest, ocean, and AI accountability. He has won several awards, including SOPA Awards, Data Journalism Award, and Fetisov Awards, for his work in data journalism and environmental investigations. Keng began as a reporter at Malaysiakini, the leading online news outlet in Malaysia. He is a Fulbright scholar, Google Journalism Fellow, and Tow-Knight Fellow.